Regional Economic Development Strategies Research Articles

Hawke's Bay regional economic development strategy: The importance of stakeholder buy‐in

AbstractThe main components of most economic development (ED) strategies are very similar. The visions and aspirational goals also sound alike for most communities. Most communities have also had a series of ED strategies that, over time, were often never implemented because of poor stakeholder buy‐in. This paper considers the importance of community support for an ED strategy and compares the engagement processes of the Auckland Council and the Hawke's Bay in developing their respective regional economic development strategies. In the Hawke's Bay situation, the process is more important than the actual strategy document. This paper argues that garnering stakeholder buy‐in is the most critical component of the strategy development process.

Intermodal Transport as a Regional Development Strategy: The Case of Italian Freight Villages

AbstractThis paper examines the development of intermodal transport operations at freight villages in Italy. Quantitative data on public and private investment and ownership in each of the 25 Italian freight villages are analysed to identify relevant issues, which are then explored through five qualitative case studies. The research considers how intermodal transport stimulation links national modal shift policy with regional economic development strategies based on the promotion of logistics growth. The research identifies a misalignment between national and regional scales, as funding based on national policy does not align with port and freight village planning strategies developed at the regional level. From an operational perspective, this misalignment is exacerbated by the often adversarial relations between ports and intermodal terminals, in addition to the fragmented nature of the Italian freight sector. Even with a national policy to promote freight villages with intermodal terminals and a dedicated funding stream to support this network of approved sites, operational issues mean that establishing intermodal shuttles remains a difficult and marginal enterprise, particularly in the case of southern Italy due to its location on the periphery of intra‐European freight flows.

Are Industry Clusters and Diversity Strange Bedfellows?

In this address, I review industry clustering and diversification strategies to compare and contrast their underlying foundations. The lack of a consensus choice of one or the other for regional economic development strategies along with the recognition that in the dynamic process of development these two processes are related leads me to conclude that clusters and diversity need not be such strange bedfellows after all, and that a rational approach to economic development can leverage the strengths of each and offset weaknesses. I follow this discussion by introducing a cluster assessment diversification strategy (CADS) apparatus that can be used to measure existing cluster strength, identify industrial strengths and deficit bottlenecks, and explore the regional consequences of potential cluster diversification strategies.

Local Residents’ Perception on Socio-economic Impact of Iskandar Malaysia: An Example of Urban Regeneration Program in Malaysia

Abstract One of the urban regeneration programme to promote for urbanization and economic growth in Malaysia is through the implementation of regional economic development policies and strategies. This paper discusses the strength and potential of Iskandar Malaysia development from the regional development perspectives, Iskandar Malaysia contribution towards the socio-economic development and analyse the local people's perceived socio-economic impacts of Iskandar Malaysia development. Review on secondary and data collection on primary data were done to achieve objectives in the study. The study found that more cooperation and attention from the local authorities, stakeholders and public is needed to ensure urban regeneration through programme can be successfully implemented in Malaysia.

Development of memorial tourism as a new concept - possibilities and restrictions

The purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the meaning of dark and memorial tourism better, as well as to create basic preconditions for relatively new concept of tourism in Croatia, as dark and memorial tourism is well defined subject internationally. Design – The theoretical background of the topic is been presented, and further institutional support for the development of memorial tourism. The special focus is given to analysis of the factors that influence the implementation of memorial tourism in area of regional economic development strategy according to the principles of triple helix but also quintuple helix cooperation – this type of tourism rely on support from the institutions, official tourism associations and local communities. Methodology/approach – Recent scientific literature analyzed in the paper (memorial tourism, dark tourism, thanatourism, phoenix tourism) present new advances and research results in the field of memorial tourism as theoretical reflection of good (best) international practice. It determines the views of the authors referring to the new trends of modern tourism consumers. Vukovar-Srijem County as a space of political and cultural importance allows, through its touristic production and consumption, for a ritual space that exists outside of time (“heritage that hurts”, “life-changing points of shock”, Stone, 2014). After identifying and analysing both the existing resources of the region and institutional requirements for potential development of memorial tourism a management proposal will be made for the development of a new concept of tourism in Croatia. Findings – According to the data of the Ministry of War Veterans of the Republic of Croatia (2013), up to May 18, 2011, 143 mass graves have been found in the Republic of Croatia, most of them in Vukovar-Srijem County. Inadequate cooperation between the tourism stakeholders and university sector, at regional i.e. national level and veterans’ associations as the main drivers of development of memorial centres resulted in inadequately developed tourism product. Originality of the research – In the paper marketing is used as a mechanism to achieve strategic objectives of destination regions and thus, should be guided by the policies for regional development. The triple helix and quintuple helix innovation paradigm is based on the integration of commercialization, empirical knowledge, public good and civil society. To facilitate the development of memorial tourism, it is recommended to strengthen the cooperation with scientific institutions both in regional and national level in order to establish the facts and prevent further dissemination of occasionally false information about war time events and as a return measure suggest an acceptable marketing mix of memorial tourism product. Furthermore, tourism businesses, especially tourist agencies, have to become involved in receptive tourist programmes as soon as possible. Namely, the majority of tourist agencies are oriented towards emissive business operations. It is evident, though, that nothing can be done without a source of financing and coordination that can be provided by regional administration.

STAID

There has been increasing recognition of the role played by higher education institutions (HEIs) in fostering regional economic development. Concurrently, regional economic development strategies have emphasized targeting economic clusters. This underscores the need for a structured operational framework to guide the efforts of a HEI that wishes to engage with a focused economic cluster in its service region with the intention of fostering regional economic growth. We introduce such a framework in this article that is referred to by its acronym STAID (Select, Tailor, Ascertain, Implement, and Disseminate). The exposition of STAID is annotated and illustrated with examples from two community-engaged projects at a public research university in North Carolina that were undertaken with two different regional economic clusters.

Regional Economic Development Strategy in Preparation for the Establishment of a New Autonomous Region in Indonesia

In general, the purpose of this study is to analyze the economic potential readiness in South Cianjur Development Region and formulate economic development strategies in an effort to achieve independence in the execution of development. The method of analysis used in this study are the analysis of Location Quotient, analysis of Limpitan Sejajar system, analysis of Internal Factor Evaluation Matrix (IFE Matrix) and External Factor Evaluation Matrix analysis (EFE matrix), analysis of matrix Strength-Weakness-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT), and analysis of Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM). The analysis showed that South Cianjur has potential, especially on: (1) agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry sector; (2) the mining and quarrying sector; and (3) the tourism sector. Based on IFE- EFE matrix analysis and SWOT analysis, South Cianjur district has priority strategy that uses internal strength to take advantage of external opportunities (S-O strategies). Selected strategic priorities are: (1) the development of agriculture by ecotourism, ecotourism and community forestry pattern; (2) the development of agroindustry; and (3) select and promote the spesific commodity to provide value-added (GDP and PAD).

Formation of industrial and innovation clusters in Ukraine

The article deals with the theoretical aspects of industrial and innovation clusters. The main factors which hinder the effective formation and development of clusters have been considered including the lack of a distinct mechanism of their formation; poor governance in the formation of a cluster development model; insufficient development of small businesses; low level of infrastructure development and institutional conditions; low level of trust between the main economic agents. The analysis of the international experience of cluster formation with an emphasis on the level of employment in clusters and productivity is carried out. The role of regional authorities in cluster on the example of the Black Sea region is shown. It was emphasized that the foundation of effective stimulation of cluster formations has become a public policy. It should provide an adequate system of taxation and subsidies; a development of national and regional economic development strategy , which is the basis of the most clustering; a legislative and legal framework for the formation and development of cluster formations; trained specialists and experts who relate to the process of clustering. The analysis of the expert opinion, a study factors localization, the analysis of input-output matrices, the network analysis are applied to solve the cluster identification task as the analytical approaches.

A conceptual framework for examining HRD and NHRD linkages and outcomes

Purpose – This paper aims to review technical vocational education and training (TVET) literature, identify different components of the TVET system and develop a conceptual framework that integrates human resource development (HRD) and national human resource development (NHRD) outcomes. The renewed focus on technical vocational education and training (TVET) is important for human resource development (HRD), as it expands current understanding of its role in economic development through workforce training. National human resource development (NHRD) perspectives recognize the role of TVET in linking regional and national economic development strategies. Furthermore, TVET’s focus on literacy education, poverty alleviation and inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable populations emphasizes social development outcomes that are critical for NHRD. Using this background, the integration of HRD and NHRD outcomes into one conceptual TVET framework for addressing workforce, economic and social development outcomes has been proposed. Design/methodology/approach – A targeted literature review approach was used for exploring relevant research on TVET systems, identifying the components which support and/or inhibit its effectiveness and an integrative framework that connects education, workforce development, social development and economic development was developed. Findings – Three major themes were identified. The first theme identifies nine sub-themes that make an effective TVET system. These are as follows: national TVET policy, regional TVET policy, training, participation, curriculum, coordination of stakeholder institutions, individual and institutional attitudes toward skill development, managing supply-demand mismatches and economic and social development outcomes. The second major theme underlines the increasing overlap and connection between workforce development, social development and economic development strategies. In the third and final finding, effective TVET systems are positioned as the linking pin connecting the four TVET components (skills, education, innovation and knowledge) to the strategic goals of workforce development, economic development and social development. Originality/value – Integrating national and organizational-based HRD strategies is a unique focus and reflects the broader examination of the differences in the relationship between corporate HRD and more traditional TVET systems. It is argued that the role of TVET in social and workforce development at the regional and societal level cannot be ignored. HRD and NHRD outcomes were integrated by utilizing TVET as a framework for linking economic, social and workforce development strategies.

Regional Advantage of Cluster Development: A Case Study of the San Diego Biotechnology Cluster

The concept of “clusters” has become central to regional economic development strategies, especially in the high-technology and biotechnology industries. Numerous studies have examined the significance of industrial clusters and their components, but comparatively less attention has been directed towards understanding the roots and processes of industrial localization. In particular, emerging biotechnology clusters such as that in San Diego have not drawn adequate scholarly attention given their policy implications with regard to clustering and regional development. Based on in-depth interviews, historical archives and participatory observations, this paper examines how the San Diego biotechnology cluster emerged and grew into an entrepreneurial habitat that has nurtured hundreds of biotechnology companies that have produced a series of innovative products. The author suggests that the regional context of the existence of a number of small biotechnology companies rather than a group of large firms, a continuous flow of talent, and leadership that fosters collaborations have been critical in promoting knowledge creation, circulation and accumulation, which are essential to spawning startups. The regional advantage of San Diego in stimulating entrepreneurship and innovation lies in its edge in creating and exploiting knowledge and practices through its entrepreneurs' robust interactions and participation in local communities of practice.

The Case for a Pragmatic Qualitative Appraisal Framework for Local Economic Development

This paper develops a theoretical framework and rationale for an alternative post-structuralist approach to assessing economic development strategies. This research applies Deleuzian philosophical concepts in order to address the limitations of current assessment methodologies. The paper explores the history of and the reasons for the perceived failure of the Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy (AREDS). This perceived failure led to the total de-territorialsiation of the organisation tasked with implementing the strategy. Deleuzian spatial concepts, such as flows, plateaus, rhizomes and lines of flight, are employed to develop metaphorical tools for assessing economic development strategies, initiatives and programmes. The framework developed is tested against AREDS. The paper concludes that such strategies and local initiatives should be assessed based on performance predicated on becoming instead of performance-measured outcomes.

QIAOXIANG ON THE SILK ROAD

The contemporary era of globalization poses challenges for reimagining Asian nations once associated with the ThirdWorld as spaces within the global capitalist world. The idea of the Global South incorporates these nations into a new post–cold war global imaginary, but does so in a way that recognizes the structural and social inequalities that continue to distinguish these nations from their more privileged counterparts in the Global North. The challenge of reimagining former ThirdWorld nations in the contemporary era of globalization is further complicated by the deepening of structural inequality within those nations. Growing class divides and uneven development in these nations have made it difficult to imagine Global South nations as homogenous entities. This article explores the complexities of imagining China in the era of globalization by examining a set of historical narratives: the Silk Road and qiaoxiang (sojourner villages), which emerged as strategies for situating China within new global imaginaries by re-narrating the histories of South China. Although the narratives mark a departure from nation-centered histories of the Mao era, they do not reflect a withering of the state or of nationalism in the face of globalization. Rather, they are connected to reconfigurations of the nation and state related to the challenges of managing the nation's current phase of capitalist development. By examining the ways in which these narratives are over-determined by shifting class formations, regional economic development strategies, place-based social and cultural legacies, global intellectual trends, and state interventions, which all shape South China's economic development, this article describes the function of these narratives as structures of feeling. As such, the Silk Road and qiaoxiang narratives give voice to the anxieties produced by China's opening to the capitalist world economy and attempt to reconcile the contradictions of China's current phase of economic development by rendering a complex social reality into historically recognizable forms.

How Economic Developers Can Manage the Regional Deal Flow Pipeline

The State Science & Technology Institute (SSTI) is a national research consortium comprised of hundreds of regional economic development member agencies, all of which believe that technology-based economic development provides great economic and social benefits to metro regions in terms of job creation and increased incomes. The SSTI September conference in Portland is called “Dynamic Innovation Ecosystems: Bringing It All Together,” and is focused on how research, capital, workforce, and manufacturing fit together into a coherent strategy. One of their sessions is dedicated entirely to how crowdfunding can be integrated into a regional innovation economic strategy. Integrating Title II Reg D Rule 506 offerings under the JOBS Act into regional economic development strategies will require a completely different method of promoting technology-based economic development than the prevailing university tech transfer – venture capital model currently favored by members of SSTI.

The Problem and Countermeasure Research on Ecological and Circulatory Agriculture in the Ecologically Fragile Areas - For the Example of the Yellow River Delta

Whether the ecologically fragile areas can avoid weakness and enhance strong points and take advantages of their resources and carry on the reasonable development, it is related to the success or failure of the regional economic and social sustainable development strategy. Yellow River Delta as typical ecological fragile areas in China, the development of ecological and circulatory agriculture has strategic significance for the area towards the road of sustainable development. For the problem about Yellow River Delta develop ecological and circulatory agriculture, such as fragile ecological conditions, water shortages , serious environmental pollution, ecological technology relatively backward, low cultural quality of the agricultural labor force and weak support policies, we must take some countermeasures like development of rural education, promotion of ecotechnological progress, improvement of the agroecological environment , the comprehensive development and so on.

Destination South Africa: comparing global sports mega-events and recurring localised sports events in South Africa for tourism and economic development

This contribution examines the comparative value of sport mega-events such as the 2010 FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) World Cup of soccer held in South Africa and recurring sporting events (SPEs) such as the Comrades Marathon held each year in KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa. Through an examination of case studies of the World Cup and regional SPEs in South Africa, with particular focus on Durban and surrounding areas of KwaZulu-Natal, we seek to expand debate on the efficacy of various SPEs on tourism and local and regional economic development strategies. We present a detailed literature review of the role of these events to economic development and impacts on tourism and legacy planning then examine extant data produced around the 2010 World Cup (realising that we only have a partial picture to date) and compare that to SPEs held regularly in the region. Our aim is to generate intelligent debate around the role of sports and tourism in economic development strategies and suggest that alternative focus will yield more sustainable and predictable returns that locate benefits in host communities.

The Extent of Cluster-Based Policies and the Political/Institutional Context

Regional economic development strategies are becoming increasingly popular with policy makers. Yet the role of government in cluster development and sustainability is not clearly understood. This research attempts to fill the gap between cluster theory and public administration by testing a political/institutional context model. A total of 24 in-depth interviews focusing on the shipbuilding cluster in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi were completed. Results indicate that the political culture of the region is a major limiting factor for the development of governance structures suitable for cluster-based economic development and upgrading. However, public administration’s network governance theory provides an ideal framework to build governance structures more suitable for cluster-based economic development and upgrading.

Reducing social vulnerability and environmental deterioration through market mechanisms

In the context of the biodiesel value chain in Brazil, this paper explores how the strategies of the country´s major oil and energy company - Petrobras - need to evolve if they are to foster the productive and sustained inclusion of small farmers and promote sustainable innovation as a regional economic development strategy, one that helps reduce social vulnerability without increasing environmental risks. After a general overview of stakeholders and policy instruments in Petrobras´s biodiesel programme, the paper provides a brief institutional analysis of the interaction between actors and processes, with a view to offering insights into the current effectiveness of the programme as a sustainable rural development tool.

УНИВЕРСИТЕТ КАК ДРАЙВЕР ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОГО РАЗВИТИЯ РЕГИОНА: ВЫЗОВЫ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ

Introduction. Regional university can be considered one of the key elements for building a regional economic development strategy. This article is devoted to regional university’s long-term development in modern environment. Theoretical analysis. In the context of «triple helix model» the network nature of the interaction between the participants of the innovative process is especially important. Today Russian universities are facing such challenges as urgent need of high-qualified graduates, investments, improvement of educational methods, creation and rapid development of university’s infrastructure, changes in ethic standards etc. Empirical analysis. Cooperation between business, government and universities is a burning issue. This is determined by drastic changes in the employers’ demands of graduates’ abilities, lack of universities’ public funding and the call for new off-budget financial sources. Results. Regional universities are supposed to take a proactive position in regional economy and to become the leaders of future innovations. The forthcoming changes should improve and reorganize the present system of regional higher education. The presumptive features of the new system should be the following: profound cooperation between university management, business and government, meritocratic approach, application of innovative educational techniques and teaching methods. This is to become the foundation of the highly efficient functioning of the universities and regional innovative development on the whole.

Nonemployment Income and Natural Resource Dependence in Rural Canada

Income derived from nonemployment sources (i.e., investment income and government transfers) is of increasing importance in rural areas. Knowing the extent and characteristics of a community's nonemployment income dependence can guide regional economic development and diversification strategies. This article explores nonemployment income dependence in Canada and compares social and economic characteristics of these communities to communities dependent on natural resources. Our findings suggest that the number of highly nonemployment income-dependent communities in rural Canada is relatively large, ranking second only to the number of highly agriculture-dependent communities. The prevalence of nonemployment income dependence in Canada varies by region, and social and economic characteristics in nonemployment income-dependent places are mixed. Nevertheless, a goal to attract private pension- and investment income-dependent households may be a sound economic diversification strategy for single-resource-dependent communities.

Technology spillover effects in the context of the evolution of inter-regional industrial structure in China

This paper focuses on the relationship between technology spillovers in the context of the evolution of China's regional industrial structure. Based on a theoretical model, we have formally shown the impact of the evolution of the regional industrial structure and have also empirically tested technology spillovers for the period 1991–2007 in the context of the evolution of the regional industrial structure in China. The findings provide an important theoretical and practical basis for the government to formulate regional economic policies and industrial development strategies.