Book Reviews

Abstract

Yannis M. Ioannides of Tufts University reviews, “Keys to the City: How Economics, Institutions, Social Interactions, and Politics Shape Development” by Michael Storper. The Econlit abstract of this book begins: “Considers the explanations we use for city and regional growth and development and presents a toolbox for answering important questions, drawing from economics, economic geography, and economic sociology. Discusses workshops of the world economy—people, jobs, and places; the motor of urban economies—specialization; disruptive innovation—geography and economics; cities and individuals—how we shape cities, but not the way we want to; the ““where” of development; communities and the economy; robust action—society, community, and development; technology, globalization, and local interaction; local context—the genius of cities; face-to-face contact; exit or voice?—politics, societies, and city-systems; and justice, efficiency, and cities—whether regions should help one another. Storper is Professor of Economic Geography at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Professor of Economic Sociology at Sciences Po, Paris, and Professor of Urban Planning and Geography at the University of California, Los Angeles.”