Synopses & Reviews
In developing a global perspective, local economies are described as building blocks for national economies. Accordingly, Local Economic Development is essential to the traditional study of national economic development. The global orientation is illustrated in a variety of national contexts. Cities represented in a global network of cities. Local Economic Development is suitable for either urban economics courses or introductory development course. Comprehensive coverage of traditional economic problems and issues is strengthened by recognition that the economic perspective should be supplemented by insights from other social sciences. Concepts, theories, and tools are emphasized rather than specific programs because programs change frequently, whereas the fundamentals provide a foundation for strategies, policies, and programs. Key Features Presents traditional topics such as location of activities, growth and development, economic structure, land use, neighborhood development, and governance in ways that connect theory to on the ground realities Covers economic problems including transportation, poverty, immigration, education, urban management, and housing within the context of regional development Describes numerous quantitative tools including locations quotients, shift/share analysis, local multipliers, input-output analysis, statistical modeling, cost/benefit studies, discounted cash-flow analysis, and so forth in an easy to understand, manner. The description of how to apply tools is sensitivity to their limitations Integrates cutting edge issues such as cluster analysis, creative class orientation, competitive advantage, social capital, business expansion and retention, and learning regions with traditional topics rather than treated as mere appendages Includes other unique features that directly or indirectly require knowledge of local development. This element will both motivate students and support the importance of understanding local development processes. A focus on equity concerns is evident is several topic including a discussion of causes and policies regarding lagging regions Contains a concluding chapter that is future oriented and shows the importance of economics to policy planning and future studies
Intended Audience: This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the economics of local economic development. The approach is people centered and recognizes contributions from other social sciences.
Synopsis
Local economies are the building blocks for national ones. An updated and expansive core text, the Second Edition of Local Economic Development: Analysis, Practices, and Globalization provides a comprehensive introduction to the economics of local economic development. Delving into cutting-edge topics such as cluster analysis, creative class orientation, competitive advantage, social capital, business expansion and retention, and learning regions, this clearly written interdisciplinary text connects theories with real-life examples and offers the reader pragmatic tools for future application, including a valuable how-to understanding regarding important qualitative tools and their interpretation.
Importantly, this text is uniquely accessible to students who lack a background in the field of economics.
New to this Edition
Offers a global emphasis: Local economic development is clearly linked to national development throughout, making the text useful for adding an international component to traditional national economic development courses.Features an institutionalist focus: The text describes the ways political and the social environments interact with and influence the local development process, giving instructors opportunities to localize course material. It also addresses equity issues and the importance of interregional linkages, demonstrating the importance of an interdisciplinary approach.Demonstrates comparative versus competitive advantages: The author illustrates the changing perceptions of the sources of local advantages, given the dynamic global and technological environments. Provides valuable information on careers in the field: Students will learn about jobs where knowledge of local economic development is a primary or useful requirement, from opportunities as development officials in local agencies to banking to community development.
Intended AudienceThis is an ideal core text for undergraduate and graduate students of economics, political science, geography, public administration, and urban and regional planning. It is also a valuable resource for economic development professionals, NGOs, County Commissioner offices and others involved in the economic aspects of local economic development.