Knowledge drives the growth of nations and regions in a competitive space-economy. Hence, we would expect a strong correlation between investments in R&D, knowledge and learning processes, on the one hand, and productivity increases, on the other. However, the empirical evidence shows consistent...

Knowledge drives the growth of nations and regions in a competitive space-economy. Hence, we would expect a strong correlation between investments in R&D, knowledge and learning processes, on the one hand, and productivity increases, on the other. However, the empirical evidence shows consistent...

Following this introductory chapter which comprises Part I of the book, there are eleven chapters and each of these chapters—written by an expert or by a team of experts — discusses a particular research question or questions about rural-urban dichotomies and spatial development in Asia. For...

Over the last decade or so, the debate on the planning and development of the Paris (Île-de-France) region has revolved around two little words: "Grand Paris", or Greater Paris. Despite existing political and scientific controversies surrounding the future of the capital region, three major...

Romania's communist regime used forced industrialization and urbanization policies as a solution for speeding-up the pace of development in the lagging areas, which resulted in reducing regional disparities. However, after 1989 there areas were the first that suffered the hardships of economic...

When small towns experience a major infrastructure shock, such as a ‘mill' closure, the effects can be devastating. We analyse the effects of two major freezing works closures in New Zealand, in Patea (1982) and Whakatu (1986). These two examples provide an interesting comparison: Whakatu is...

When small towns experience a major infrastructure shock, such as a ‘mill' closure, the effects can be devastating. We analyse the effects of two major freezing works closures in New Zealand, in Patea (1982) and Whakatu (1986). These two examples provide an interesting comparison: Whakatu is...

Growing disparities in wealth, well-being, and access to services in Kazakhstan have raised serious concerns among policymakers, especially since the January 2022 protests. This paper evaluates these regional inequalities and presents the findings from Kazakhstan's inaugural well-being survey....

Creativity is a new paradigm of development, which connects society in its economic, culture, technological and social aspects at the macro and micro level. Creativity, knowledge and access to information are central points of this paradigm and are considered to be engines of economic growth in...

We investigate the impact of new business formation on regional employment. The main effects occur after a considerable time lag. Obviously, a large part of the effect is not due to job creation by the newcomers but rather is of indirect nature. This implies that a large part of the debate about...