Regional Economic Competitiveness Research Articles

Coordination of entrepreneurial growth methods and business retention and expansion outreach

Through a process to conduct a Regional Economic Competitiveness Strategy (RECS) in 2013, Northeast Ohio’s business, civic, and philanthropic leaders learned that Northeast Ohio was underperforming the US over the last two decades. The process identified that 65% of jobs created by the regional network annually were tied to business retention and expansion (BRE) efforts, making BRE a core pillar of the RECS. JumpStart Inc. of Northeast Ohio’s BRE network was tasked with conducting an analysis of the current BRE system. The experience and entrepreneurial mission of the organization gave JumpStart Inc. a unique perspective on BRE. The analysis brought an entrepreneurial, data-driven process to the BRE system in Northeast Ohio. The process focused on added value through data-driven techniques in targeting of companies; the enhancement of business intelligence capabilities by utilizing entrepreneurial techniques; and leveraging regional assets as a result of greater analysis of company feedback and industry trends.

China’s megaregion policy: Performance evaluation framework, empirical findings and implications for spatial polycentric governance

Megaregion has emerged as a new dimension of global urbanization. A megaregion approach based on polycentric strategy is deemed to enhance regional economic competitiveness. Numerous studies have highlighted the economic benefits, celebrated the spill-over effects, and outlined the creative potentials of contemporary megaregion policies in different nations worldwide. However, further policy instruments require the knowledge about the achievement and failure of megaregion policies that seek for spatial, economic, social, and environmental efficiency and sustainability. This paper introduces China’s megaregion policy and proposes an analytical framework for performance evaluation from four principle domains (rational urban growth, economic development, social equity, environmental protection) at three levels (internal collaboration, integral development, and overall development). Using a case of the Megaregion around Hangzhou Bay (MAHB), we find very limited success of China’s megaregion policy. In particular, the megaregion policy only accomplishes the economic goal, and fails to achieve the goals of rational urban growth, environmental protection, and social equity. A series of mechanism based regressions are established and show that the implementation duration of megaregion policy: (1) associates positively with the economic growth; (2) relates negatively to social equity and urban rational growth; and (3) has no significant relationship with improved environmental quality. Institutional fragmentation, no unified spatial planning, and inadequate legislation at megaregional level are the underlying causes of the expected performances within the policy context of governance itself. We finally propose some possible solutions and discuss the implications for spatial polycentric governance. The demonstrated methodological framework can be applicable to other megaregions around the world. This paper is thus believed to provide some new insights for land use policy.

Hierarchical Value Chains Encompassing Freight Transportation and Logistics Sectors in the United States

This research reveals value chain (VC) clusters in which freight transportation modes (i.e., truck, rail, air, water, and pipelines), freight supporting activities (i.e., couriers and messengers and warehousing and storage), and other industry sectors have strong economic inter-dependencies. The most recent input–output data in the United States were used to construct the 2014 direct requirements matrix and generate a network of economic interdependencies between industry sectors. Community detection, a complex network analysis method, was used to reveal the Corresponding VCs in the economic network. A novel procedure uncovered hierarchical VC communities (VCCs) for each freight transportation and logistics sector. Thus, seven distinctive VCCs with unique underlying activities were found. In general, freight industries are hierarchically clustered to VCCs related to raw materials; services; metals; agriculture; textile, apparel, and paper; wood products; and others. Results are important for the areas of transportation economics, regional economic development, competitiveness, and multimodal freight transportation.

Innovative Technological Development of Russian Mining Regions (on Example of Kemerovo Region)

A characteristic trend of many countries modern development is the transition to an innovative economy. At present, this is the only opportunity to secure and maintain a high standard of living for the population. Moreover, innovative development of Russian can be achieved during technological progress in its regions. In this regard, it is necessary to assess the innovative potential of the region and identify the most actual problems that impede the transition to the trajectory of innovative development. The authors outline several main indicators that help to determine the level of innovation and technological development of one of the largest industrial areas of Russia - Kemerovo region. The special economic role of Kemerovo region as a large territorial old-industrial complex of Western Siberia requires a large-scale work to solve the most acute problems of regional development. It is necessary to find the answer for existing problems through the implementation of a system of state regulation aimed at making the innovation component a leading factor of the regional economy competitiveness.

Examining The Influence Of Social Support and Mentoring On Entrepreneurial Quality Among Graduate Entrepreneurs

This study investigates the influence of social support and mentoring on entrepreneurial quality among graduate entrepreneurs. In order to gain sustainable growth, entrepreneurial quality is viewed as a crucial factor which affects the business potential such as in overcoming barriers as well as increasing the business survival (Darroch & Clover 2005). Entrepreneurial quality is essential in increasing the competitiveness of regional economy, not only the competitiveness of the entrepreneurs themselves (Cumplido & Alcalde 2002). Partial Least Square (PLS) Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used to test the relationship between constructs. The findings revealed that social support and mentoring influenced the development of entrepreneurial quality among graduate entrepreneurs.

Влияние эффективности использования экономических ресурсов на конкурентоспособность региональной экономики

The article is devoted to the problem of the regional economy competitiveness. The authors ran through the stages of the country (region) competitiveness, considered the competitiveness at different levels. The ways of competitive recovery for region are offered.

Innovational Mechanism of Implementation of Cluster Initiatives in Business

The authors view the problems of developing countries and create innovational organizational and managerial mechanism of clustering, aimed at solving these problems and adapted for provision of sustainable regional development in view of clustering. As a result of the research, the authors come to the conclusion that realization of potential of clustering in the increase of competitiveness of regional economy can be achieved by means of formation of complex mechanism of management of regional socio-economic development. That’s why, in order to receive maximum profit from clustering, innovational organizational & managerial mechanism of realization of cluster initiatives in business should be based on formation of regional innovational clusters as a part of complex mechanism of management of regional development. The mechanism that is offered in the article aims at solving the problems of developing countries in the sphere of clustering by means of coordination of actions of regional authorities and members of cluster entities. Cooperation and interaction of members of cluster entity and regional authorities are oriented at the increase of efficiency of cluster functioning and achievement of goals of regional development in economic, social, and ecological spheres.

Влияние иммиграционного потока на региональную экономику: к вопросу о повышении экономической конкурентоспособности провинции Цзянси

Labor resource is the necessary productive factor in regional economic development, and one of important indexes to evaluate regional economic competitiveness. The great economic achievement brought by the 30-year reform and opening up of China is due to the fact that China brought the backward advantage of “demographic dividend” into play, promoted the fast development of industrialization and urbanization, and became the second largest economy in the world. The entity of “demographic dividend” is the nonagricultural migrant population, i.e., migrant workers. The transfer employment of migrant workers has typical regional liquidity, and the imbalance of regional economy causes the flow of many migrant workers. In order to achieve harmonious development and coordinated development, underdeveloped areas must understand the character and regulation, adopt positive industrial policy and supportive policy, guide the reasonable flow of migrant workers, and realize the transfer of local employment and citizenization of migrant workers, which can enhance regional economic competitiveness.

Inclusive Economic Institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council States: Current Status and Theoretical Implications

AbstractWhile the social conflict theory (SCT) suggests that absolute monarchies will not tolerate inclusive economic institutions, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have regularly achieved above global average ratings for property rights protection, entry barriers, disruptive wealth redistribution and corruption. This paper discusses the extent to which GCC states have potential to further improve their institutional quality. We explore whether inclusive economic institutions may emerge in GCC states, such as: (1) regional economic integration and competition which alleviate rulers’ capability to expropriate private property and ease entry barriers to the market, (2) rulers of resource rich economies sustain political power with control of natural resources as opposed to the extraction of private property; and (3) prospect of long-term gain for the ruler incentivizes the adoption of a market-based economy. Strong state involvement in manufacturing and the monopoly of some services, the effect of tribalism in economic affairs and the distribution of resources, as well as a sponsorship system for foreign workers in these states may all impede the development of a truly competitive and free economy.

REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS, CONCEPTUAL ELEMENTS

In a general sense, competitiveness is conveyed as the ability of a nation to lay the foundations and ensure an economic, social and political environment capable of sustaining the creation of added value, enabling the positioning of a country within global economy, from the perspective of comparing the performances obtained and the growth potential over time. The paper highlights the importance of increasing competitiveness of regional economy and the perspectives for their development. There are exhibited numerous aspects of the competitiveness concept expressed by definitions, formulated by experts that outline features of the phenomenon, as well as the interaction between knowledge and competitiveness. Finally, there are also shown some methods for measuring regional competitiveness.

Role of State in Formation and Development of Tourist Cluster

1. Introduction The industry of tourism possesses a very strong multiplier effect and provides significant positive influence, as compared to other economic sectors. That's why most of countries of the world chose tourism as a means for generation and quickening of economic development, improvement of currency state of country, and strengthening of tourism infrastructure. Despite the fact that recently the state has been paying a lot of attention to the sphere of tourism, it is still characterized by high risk and insufficient level of development. The Russian Federation occupies a very strong position in the market of international tourism; in 2012, Russia entered the top-10 countries as to the number of tourist arrivals, showing a serious double-digit rate of growth of this indicator (13.4%), and ranked 5th as to tourists' expenditures. In 2012, 4.8% of the global tourist flow accounted for Russia. At that, the volume of revenues from tourism also rose over 3 years, but insignificantly (by 1.2%). Under the current conditions, creation and development of tourist clusters in regions is one of the main mechanisms of the increase of competitiveness of regional economy. At that, the use of cluster approach in management of regional economy is the most important direction of policy of the range of subjects of the Russian Federation. Transition from ineffective economic development of regions to mobilization and stimulation of existing resources for economic growth showed the most perspective solutions in the process of formation and development of tourist clusters. It is obvious that development of tourist sphere requires the use of complex approach and complex analysis which could be implemented through clustering of the sphere. 2. The State of Tourist Sphere in Russia and Necessity for its Clustering According to the Federal Tourism Agency, Fig.1 shows the dynamics of the number of inbound and outbound tourists in Russia for 2006-2014. In 2014, around 17.6 million people left Russia for tourism, while the number of inbound tourists constituted 2.6 million people. In 2009-2013, there was a growth of the number of inbound and outbound tourists. There was a reduction of these indicators in 2014 by 3% and 4%, correspondingly, which was caused by sanctions from the Western countries and depreciation of ruble, which, without any doubt, weakened the Russian tourist industry by the end of the year. [FIGURE 1 OMITTED] In Russia, outbound tourism develops with higher rates than inbound one (Fig. 2). Outbound tourist flow was growing constantly in 2000-2008 and in 2009 it showed significant reduction, which was explained by the global financial crisis. However, in 2010, the growth rate constituted 132%, which was by 11% more than the growth rate in 2008. The dynamics of inbound tourism is not stable, as its indicators rise and fall. In 2009, due to the global crisis, the number of foreign tourists who visited Russia reduced as compared to previous years (Koroleva N.V., 2013). In 2010-2013, there was a positive tendency of inbound tourist flow, though the growth rates were still low--only 102% in 2010, 109% in 2011, 110% in 2012, and 104% in 2013. [FIGURE 2 OMITTED] Excess of outbound international tourism over inbound one was observed since 1996, but back then the difference was much lower than now. The rapid growth began starting from 2009. As a result of the conducted research, it is possible to state that the main problems of tourist sphere in Russia are the following: disunity of tourist market members, underdevelopment of infrastructure, lack of investments, deficit of highly-qualified staff, low level of service, high accommodation prices, etc. these problems are to be solved quickly, effectively, and in complex. The development of the tourist sphere should be conducted with the help of complex approach and complex analysis, which can be realized through clustering and with direct participation of the state. …

The Development of an Effective Management Model of Professional Education as a Factor of Increasing the Regional Economy Competitiveness

Major factors of competitiveness of national and regional economies increased on the basis of ensuring close interrelation of economy and system of professional education in Russia are considered in the article. One of the direction of the analysis is studying of features of various foreign models of professional education management, detection of their features, merits and demerits. The main directions of modernization of the Russian social economic process, on the basis of introduction of bioadequate model in a control system of professional education in Russia are offered in the article. According to authors, elements of management that will allow to create optimum model which will accurately distribute and coordinate functions and powers, competences and responsibility of various subjects and objects of management of system of professional education, first of all professional educational institutions and local governments, and also regional and federal administrative structures have to be allocated. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n5s3p291

The Impact of Infrastructure Expenditure Types on Regional Income in Turkey

Kara M. A., Taş S. and Ada S. The impact of infrastructure expenditure types on regional income in Turkey, Regional Studies. Infrastructure investments that enhance regional economic performance and competitiveness fall into two categories: economic and social. Economic infrastructure investments (i.e. highways, power generation and water facilities) can directly increase regional production potential, and social infrastructure investments (i.e. education and healthcare) can aid regional income by improving labour productivity. This study identifies how different types of infrastructure expenditures affect regional incomes in Turkey. As per results drawn from data of 2004–08, infrastructure expenditures enhance regional income in Turkey. Social infrastructure investments and education expenditures demonstrate greater impact on regional income.

Fragmentation in Workforce Development and Efforts to Coordinate Regional Workforce Development Systems: A Case Study of Challenges in Atlanta and Models for Regional Cooperation from across the Country

The importance of human capital in regional economic competitiveness is increasingly apparent. However, structural changes, fragmentation, the instability of funding, and other factors have led to challenges for workforce development providers as well as workforce development systems. This fragmentation has created a less coherent and coordinated workforce development system. Often, metropolitan areas have many programs and policies in place to train workers for jobs that require sub-baccalaureate credentials or skills. The lack of coordination in local training systems may limit the information available to job and training seekers, create duplication of services among providers, and discourage outcome measurement and program evaluation. This paper examines many of these trends and discusses the current state of the workforce development system in the United States by using the Atlanta metropolitan area as a case study. A number of commissioned studies focused on the Atlanta metropolitan area's workforce development system are summarized as local examples of these trends, including recommendations for improving regional collaboration. Finally, lessons learned from successful regional workforce development models in Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, and Detroit provide guidance for forging a successful strategy for regional workforce development. These regional collaboratives suggest a way to improve information, programming, and alignment in local job training ecosystems.

Samorządna Rzeczpospolita – 25 lat samorządu w Polsce

Samorządna Rzeczpospolita – 25 lat samorządu w Polsce

Managing Global Competitiveness: Impact of Talents on Innovations in Baltic States

The paper discusses the impact of global talent competitiveness (GTC) on managing the regional economic competitiveness. The complex evaluation and comparative assessment of GTC is a basis for effective knowledge resource distribution and investment into intellectual economic policy. Some conclusions concerning comparative evaluations of GTC and their impact on innovations in the Baltic States are presented.

Инновационный подход к региональному и муниципальному управлению

This paper deals with the problems of modernization and enhancement of regional socio-economic development governance in the context of elaboration of a new system of public administration and local government. An innovative approach to regional and municipal governance has been offered, the peculiar feature of which being taking into account of the objective conditions and controversies of socio-economic development of a region, the orientation of management at the improving of regional economy competitiveness and the use of new instruments of state regulation, planning and forecasting methods at a regional level. The ways of enhancing of regional and municipal governance on the basis of implementation of innovative management practices have been identified. Based on performance evaluation of regional governance and generalization of its experience, and on the basis of comparative analysis of pre-planning schemes and procedures, diagnostics and forecasting methods, a new system of planning and forecasting documents ensuring the unity and interconnection between regional and municipal levels of administration has been worked out

Investment Attractiveness of the Region as the Factor in the Formation of Competitive Advantages

A lot of research is devoted to the improvement of investment attractiveness and competitiveness of regional economy. Investments are considered not only as a source for economic growth, but also as a factor of competitiveness of regional economy. The article highlights the main problems and prospects of development to raise the investment attractiveness of regional economy. The authors have reviewed the impact of investment attractiveness on the formation of con-competitive advantages of a territory. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n28p9

Regional Cooperation and Integration (RCI) and Trade-Driven Competitiveness -- Is There a Relation to Inclusive Growth? -- Overview of Economic Literature

This paper overviews literature which studies and discusses value chains, economic corridor and cluster development as part of a regional network structure along which goods, knowledge, and technology are exchanged by economic agents. The overview examines how regional geography, history, and structure determine the patterns of innovation, diversification, and specialization in a region. It synthesizes literature which examines how model functional forms, their scale and resolution of regional impact determine the significance of impact, which can be observed from models by policy makers. Finally, the paper identifies literature which relates Regional Cooperation and Integration (RCI) policy targets, with mechanisms (so-called drivers), and to a variety of policy instruments, which together and individually through their effect on the drivers affect these targets. The paper organizes these concepts -- policy instruments, drivers, targets -- with a process map. The process map describes then an impact assessment system for the systemic analysis of the relation of such policy instruments to desired economic outcomes. Furthermore, an agent-based simulation model, in conjunction with an interactive knowledge platform, can potentially fulfill all the requirements of such impact assessment system, as detailed in the paper. A particularly attractive feature of simulation models is that they can be used as observatories in which regional policy experiments can be conducted. The paper sums up the literature on why Regional Cooperation and Integration can be a significant factor in increasing regional economic competitiveness and inclusive growth.

Development prediction of logistics industry in Henan province and its dynamic analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to establish a group of grey prediction models and relative degree model to study the characteristics and trend of the logistics industry development in Henan province scientifically. The study results can provide references for the development policy of the logistics industry in Henan province. Design/methodology/approach – The paper constructs grey prediction models and grey buffer operator models which are related to the distribution of logistics industry in Henan province, and selects prediction models by comparing model accuracy, and use them to forecast the development trend of logistics industry in future ten years of Henan province. Using the grey relative models, the paper analyses development dynamic and prospect which support the development of logistics industry, and provide some references for transferring the pattern of economic growth of Henan province, forming new economic growth point and formulating relevant policies. High prediction accuracy models are selected to forecast the future development trend of logistics industry in the next ten years. Findings – Results show that the modern logistics industry in Henan province has been a steady growth in overall, the main growth points of the logistics industry development in Henan province are roadway miles (km), roadway (100 million tonnes/km), freight turnover (100 million tonnes/km) and waterway (100 million tonnes), the growth points for the future development of logistics industry in Henan province are the roadway freight volume, roadway passenger volume and waterway freight volume. Practical implications – Regional economic competition has become an important index for measuring a country's economic development level. Logistics industry plays an important role in the regional economic development, such as promoting coordinated development of regional economy and upgrading industrial optimization, and playing a major role in industrial transfer. Hence, logistics industry, which is urgently needed to solve by the government, has become important forces for promoting the growth of economy and a basic pillar industries of regional economy. Originality/value – The paper presents the systematic results of development prediction of modern logistics industry in Henan province and its dynamic analysis by using grey systems theory, not only to predict the trend of the development of the logistics industry, also to analyse the future development of logistics industry in the leading power factors.