Showing papers in "Asian geographer in 2000"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the dynamics of spatial interaction within high-tech parks in metropolitan Shanghai to assess strategies for advancing the Chang Jiang delta region and found that the concept of neo-Marshallian development zones, when applied in the context of a developing world city, transitioning socialist economy, and centralized control of both State and foreign direct investment companies, suggests several modifications to classic models.
Abstract: Dynamics of spatial interaction within high tech parks in metropolitan Shanghai are examined to assess strategies for advancing the Chang Jiang delta region. The concept of neo-Marshallian development zones, when applied in the context of a developing world city, transitioning socialist economy, and centralized control of both State and foreign direct investment companies, suggests several modifications to classic models. Interviews with key participants in four zones present a fuller picture of forces at work in the effort to rapidly advance China from a manufacturing to an innovation leader in targeted industries.
21 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, three policy directions are explored: localization of capacity building, creating processes for collaborative planning, and building intercity networks of cooperative exchange for making cities more livable.
Abstract: The Pacific Asia economic crisis and apparent recovery are part of the dynamics of globalization and urbanization that are transforming the economies, societies and political processes in this world region. Globalization of finance, cross-border mergers and acquisitions that are internalizing international trade within corporate systems, and the shift from asset ownership to control of production and distribution networks are changing the nature of comparative advantage and heightening intercity competition for investment. Leading to the crisis competing for positions in the global economy saw cities sacrifice the quality of urban life for the sake of economic growth. In the emerging global context, making cities more livable is becoming a principal source of economic resilience and sustainability. Three policy directions are explored: localization of capacity building; creating processes for collaborative planning; and building intercity networks of cooperative exchange.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the changing spatial structure of the Philippines' overseas employment program and especially the shift from a "centralized" to a "decentralized" structure.
Abstract: Overseas employment programs are used by many developing countries throughout Asia. Operationally, these programs are of ten spatially concentrated in a few key urban locations. The spatial structure of these programs, however, is poorly understood. This paper examines the changing spatial structure of the Philippines' overseas employment program and especially the shift from a ‘centralized’ to a ‘decentralized’ structure. Findings suggest that the Philippines' attempt at decentralization has been limited in its implementation and, as currently implemented, is faced with significant spatial constraints.
6 citations
TL;DR: Hong Kong has experienced the worst economic recession in its history since late 1997 with the onset of the Asian financial crisis as discussed by the authors, which can be attributed to a strong sense of complacency and a "business as usual" mentality with...
Abstract: “The economic development path favoured by mainstream politicians and economists is one of ‘business (and consumption) as usual’…” - (Jenkins, 1998, p. 151). “Alongside a corporate economy seeking global hegemony, struggles for collective empowerment committed to this social project [expanding the rights of the civil society] will usher in the next millenium” - (Friedmann and Douglass, 1998, p.2). Hong Kong has experienced the worst economic recession in its history since late 1997 with the onset of the Asian financial crisis. This paper, however, argues that the Hong Kong crises have much earlier origins. These include a speculative growth-oriented economy, a lack of competence in urban governance, and an unsustainable environment. Although the Government has responded speedily to the Asian financial crisis, the Administration has been slow to recognize the much more complex crises at home. This, perhaps, can be attributed to a strong sense of complacency and a “business as usual” mentality with...
5 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a two-dimensional model to understand the nature and mechanism of economic crisis in the rest of East Asian counties as well as to predict the future of the world economy.
Abstract: Economic globalization of a city-region is recognizable as a combination of at least two dimensions of change, i.e., (1) transnationalization of goods producing/trading activities and (2) transnational movement of money and capital. The two dimensions interrelate in a reciprocal and complementary way for a time, but contradict each other in another time. Major cities in Japan such as Tokyo and Osaka fell into economic decline in the mid-1990s. This crisis, a precedent of the East Asian economic crisis in 1997, can be explained as a result of the contradiction between the two-dimensions of globalization. The two dimensional model could be applied for understanding the nature and mechanism of economic crisis in the rest of East Asian counties as well.
4 citations
TL;DR: In the case of Australia, there was widespread concern in Australia following the mid-1997 outbreak of the Asian financial crisis because the nation's strong trade orientation to Asia implied that the national economy would be adversely affected as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: There was widespread concern in Australia following the mid-1997 outbreak of the Asian financial crisis because the nation's strong trade orientation to Asia implied that the national economy would be adversely affected. Against expectations, whilst exports to Asia did indeed drop, this was compensated for by increases to other countries and by the general strength of the Australian economy. Sydney, Australia's largest and most globalised city, has benefited most from Australian economic restructuring since the 1970s, especially through growth in the service economy that is strongly linked with Asia. Those linkages, combined with other factors of competitive advantage, including Sydney's cultural diversity, which has a strong Asian dimension, are the cornerstones of the city's economic resilience. They will be the basis for future growth as circumstances in Pacific Asia improve. The social fallout resulting from the creation of economic resilience will need to be managed by governments if the bas...
4 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors proposed some active policies, such as introducing more capital in the mainland, strengthening technology innovation, making sure the development keystone of main industrial parks and so on.
Abstract: The Asia Financial Crisis has made great negative effect upon the economic development of Shanghai, however it also affords some opportunity for the modification of economic structure in Shanghai. Shanghai government has paid more attention to the development of industry and thus put forward some active policies, such as introducing more capital in the mainland, strengthening technology innovation, making sure the development keystone of main industrial parks and so on. AU these policies have obtained more and more prominent results.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors address the question of local governance in dealing with local restructuring processes in the case of an old industrial city in northern Japan and explore the possibility and limitations of local Governance under the contemporary global economy.
Abstract: This paper addresses the question of local governance in dealing with local restructuring processes in the case of an old industrial city in northern Japan. By examining transformations of the local economy, the nature of current crises, and the ways of local responses to the crises, the paper explores the possibility and limitations of local governance under the contemporary global economy. In dealing with the current economic crisis, the city has explored entrepreneurial policies in its high-tech industrial development strategy by forming local coalitions between industry, government and academics. These coalitions are a result of central government initiatives, and other measures to deal with unemployment problems are all within the traditional welfare framework provided by the central government. It is thus argued that entrepreneurialism is still within the framework of the welfare state system, and in this regard, the local governance of the city can be seen as an articulation of the prior mode.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine Korea's central government policies concerned with the restructuring of urban space after the 1997 financial crisis and examine the shift in its foreign direct investment policy with a focus on urban and regional dimensions.
Abstract: The paper takes a closer look at Korea's central government policies concerned with the restructuring of urban space after the 1997 financial crisis. In addition to the government's short-term responses such as asset deflation prevention, unemployment measures, the shift in its foreign direct investment policy is examined with a focus on urban and regional dimensions. Although the usefulness of foreign direct investment in the regeneration of urban and regional economies is debated, the paper argues for the selective acceptance of foreign direct investment by local authorities. Three broad criteria are suggested to use foreign direct investment as a positive element in rebuilding regional economies. These criteria are related to regional wealth enlargement, regional comparative advantage, and global learning.
2 citations
TL;DR: Pusan is the second largest city as well as the largest port in Korea as discussed by the authors, but it has lagging growth due to the excessive concentration of economic and political power in Seoul.
Abstract: There are several reasons for Pusan's lagging growth. A Fundamental and all-pervasive problem is the excessive concentration of economic and political power in Seoul. Two other reasons are the deferred industrial restructuring and the imposition of national industrial policies across the country rather than granting greater autonomy to regions and metropolitan cities. Under present conditions of greater openness to foreign capital, Pusan's strategy for the 21st century is to take advantage of its location in northeast Asia and its excellent port facilities. Forming intercity networks throughout the macro-region is a critical point for the future. Pusan is the second-largest city as well as the largest port in Korea. At the start of Korea's industrialization in the sixties, the city played an important role, but thirty years later, deferred industrial restructuring turned initial advantage into a present disadvantage. When the financial crisis (the so-called IMF crisis) occurred, Pusan's economy w...
1 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine Taiwan's response to the Asian economic crisis, the social consequence of that response, and the urban movement that ensued, and demonstrate that although the particular character of the response is a result of historical relations between real estate speculation and financial institutions, it is the long-term weakening of state ability to mediate between civil society and the global informational capitalism and the dual character of Taiwan state in the 1990s that underlay the policy response.
Abstract: This paper examines Taiwan's response to the Asian economic crisis, the social consequence of that response, and the urban movement that ensued. We seek to demonstrate that, although the particular character of the response is a result of historical relations between real estate speculation and financial institutions, it is the long-term weakening of state ability to mediate between civil society and the global informational capitalism and the dual character of the Taiwan state in the 1990s that underlay the policy response to the crisis. This new configuration of state, society, and economy has given rise to a dynamic civil society clamoring for autonomous participation in a new governance.