Interurban Development and Economic Disparities in a Russian Province

The paper explores the relationship among factors believed to influence the economic development potential of Russian cities in the post-Soviet period, based on a detailed case study of small and medium-sized urban places in Leningrad Oblast. Relying on rarely utilized statistical data (including local town censuses) collected during on-site research and interviews, the author constructs an economic development index that provides a reference for inter-urban comparisons and analysis. The significance of accessibility for post-Soviet urban development is statistically demonstrated and the role of inherited spatial economic structures (economic-geographical endowment) is discussed along with other factors influencing urban performance. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O11, O18, R11. 3 figures, 4 tables, 30 references.     

Observations on the Geographical Dimensions of Russia's Resource Abundance

A UK-based authority on Russia's economic geography examines the geographical dimensions of Russia's resource abundance, devoting particular attention to the spatial redistribution of resource rents generated by extraction, primary processing, and fabrication. After establishing Russia's credentials as a "resource-abundant economy," the author identifies the country's resource regions and considers their relative importance in terms of population, territory, and national economic contribution. He then considers the various dimensions (and different geographies) of resource rent, focusing on the oil and gas sector. The paper extends Gaddy and Ickes' (2005) macro-economic assessment and discusses the consequences of rent redistribution for interregional income flows as well as Russia's territorial cohesion. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O11, O13, O18, Q30. 5 figures, 1 table, 55 references.     

Vietnam: Two Decades of Urban Development

Doi moi, adopted as a policy of economic reform in Vietnam in 1986, has ushered in fundamental and sweeping economic and social changes spearheaded by its cities. The paper, by a senior Hong Kong-based geographer, reviews the country's progress over a twodecade period ending in 2006. Discussion of the first decade focuses on deterioration of urban infrastructure and its causes (as well as the onset of reconstruction) based largely on field interviews, reconnaissance, and review of official documents and reports. Coverage of the second decade's more rapid change highlights legal reforms, privatization, foreign direct investment, as well as regional development. The favorable prognosis for urban Vietnam is examined in the context of the country's accession to the WTO and its hosting of the APEC Summit in late 2006. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O10, O18, O30, P20. 4 figures, 1 table, 26 references.     

Technological Learning and Innovation in China in the Context of Globalization

A team of China- and U.S.-based geographers develops the theoretical concept of "learning field" to advance the study of technological innovation through networking under conditions of ongoing globalization. The concept is applied in a survey of ca. 100 firms in the Zhengzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, located in a relatively underdeveloped region of China. The findings emphasize the different patterns and challenges confronting companies of differing size, property rights, and R&D capacities, as well as the variable extent to which technological learning is based on local versus global linkages and networking. Key elements involved in successful technological upgrading (in addition to networking) are identified, including market structure, competitive strategies, and capital. Also examined are the roles played by geographic, relational, and institutional factors in providing opportunities for learning and cooperation among firms in an industrial district. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: D21, D83, O31, P20. 8 figures, 3 tables, 67 references.     

Russian Roundwood Exports: The Effects of Tariffs on the Finnish Border Economy

Two economic geographers based in Finland use time series analysis and an inputoutput model to evaluate the economic effects of tariffs imposed on Russian roundwood exports on the economy of a Finnish border region heavily dependent on Russian timber supplies. The authors demonstrate the serious economic consequences of the possible cessation of Finnish imports after 2009, by analyzing the depths of the impacts on the regional economy, and options for compensating for the loss of supplies through increased domestic timber harvesting. They place the impacts of the protectionist Russian policy in the broader context of the dynamics and vulnerabilities of border economies, particularly those dependent on imported raw materials. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: F13, F14, L70, L73, O18, R10. 4 figures, 6 tables, 48 references.     

Innovation and the Entrepreneurial State in Asia: Mechanisms of Bond Market Development

Abstract

Bond markets have expanded rapidly in emerging East Asian economies in recent years. Asian policymakers have played a pivotal role in this development. This process presents an interesting challenge to the developmental state literature associated with bank-based financial systems. We argue that it is best to understand the role of the state as an entrepreneurial state in the construction of these markets, focusing on institutional innovation in three mechanisms of state-led market infrastructure: national or local credit rating agencies, mortgage corporations and bond pricing agencies. National credit rating agencies rate the creditworthiness of debt in local currency. Mortgage corporations create markets in securitised housing loans. Bond pricing agencies put a value on illiquid debt instruments to enable mark-to-market portfolio management. Together, these three mechanisms constitute the core determinants of the market (demand for creditworthy products, supply of tradeable assets, and the fixing of a price to those assets). In so doing they influence the nature of market operations, producing outcomes very different from the free market ideal type. We also consider cross-country commonalities and variations in this general pattern.     

Tourism development and the disempowerment of host residents: types and formative mechanisms

In-depth interviews, text analysis of official documents, and a representative case study are explored to investigate the disempowerment of residents in Tiantangzhai, an emerging yet isolated alpine tourism area in Anhui Province, China. Qualitative research was conducted within the specific political and economic context of China and concludes that (1) residents suffered disempowerment in five areas, including access to productive living space, access to natural resources, access to information, travel benefits, and travel participation; and (2) the mechanisms of disempowerment included government development strategy and system design, elite community relationship networks, individual socio-economic conditions, and social support measures. The research implications suggest that smooth and successful tourism development depends on improving the performance assessment of officials, consolidating administrative supervision, the timely dissemination of information relevant to tourism development, and enhancing opportunities for local residents to participate in tourism development.     

试论四川沱江流域的糖品流动(1900-1949)

1900-1949年间,在沱江流域糖品流动过程中,既有期货及现货交易形式的并存,又有"蔗糖评价制度"及"食糖专卖政策"的制度安排。从销售区域及比例来看,该流域糖品主要供给区域外市场,且以川省市场为主。就糖品流动所带来的影响及政府对糖品流动干预所产生的后果而言,这一时期的蔗糖经济呈现出发展与危机并存的"悖论型"增长模式:发展的一面是糖品不仅与其他商品形成对流,优化了区域贸易格局,而且在其流动过程中也刺激了其他行业的发展,从而推动区域社会经济的进步;危机的一面是销售格局的不利影响持续扩大以及抗战时期政府对糖品交易的干预在一定程度上激化了蔗农与糖商、政府与民众之间的矛盾,蔗乡社会处于失序状态。     

中国农村经济研究会述论

中国农村经济研究会是大革命失败以后中国思想界矛盾斗争的产物,是在陈翰笙领导的农村调查的基础上产生的,还与陈在中央研究院的工作受阻有关。它从1933年成立到1951年解散,工作重心和会址数度变迁,在各地均开展了卓有成效的活动。该会具有鲜明的学术特色;保持"合法性"是其在国统区生存的基本策略;中共对该会的政治指导是通过在其中工作的中共党员的自觉行动实现的。中国农村经济研究会是左翼文化运动的重要组成部分。     

清代闽南海洋环境与家族发展——龙溪壶山黄氏家族的个案分析

清代海洋环境历经变化,身处沿海区域的人们或深受其害,家业荡尽;或顺势而为,获得发展:有的走向了海外贸易的道路,赢得丰厚的商业利润;有的则干脆留居海外,继续保持着与家乡的密切联系。经济地位提高后的人们大多选择了遵循儒家思想规范,建立家族,致意于科举,实现了对主流价值的依归。海洋文化因子也逐渐进入主流文化体系,乃至对清代各级政策的制定与修改产生着程度不同的影响。