Local Economic Development
Analysis, Practices, and Globalization
- John P. Blair - Wright State University, USA
- Michael C. Carroll - University of North Texas, USA
Local economies are the building blocks for national ones. An updated and expansive core text, the Second Edition of Local Economic Development: Analysis, Practices, and Globalization provides a comprehensive introduction to the economics of local economic development. Delving into cutting-edge topics such as cluster analysis, creative class orientation, competitive advantage, social capital, business expansion and retention, and learning regions, this clearly written interdisciplinary text connects theories with real-life examples and offers the reader pragmatic tools for future application, including a valuable “how-to” understanding regarding important qualitative tools and their interpretation.
Importantly, this text is uniquely accessible to students who lack a background in the field of economics.
New to this Edition
- Offers a global emphasis: Local economic development is clearly linked to national development throughout, making the text useful for adding an international component to traditional national economic development courses.
- Features an institutionalist focus: The text describes the ways political and the social environments interact with and influence the local development process, giving instructors opportunities to localize course material. It also addresses equity issues and the importance of interregional linkages, demonstrating the importance of an interdisciplinary approach.
- Demonstrates comparative versus competitive advantages: The author illustrates the changing perceptions of the sources of local advantages, given the dynamic global and technological environments.
- Provides valuable information on careers in the field: Students will learn about jobs where knowledge of local economic development is a primary or useful requirement, from opportunities as development officials in local agencies to banking to community development.
Intended Audience
This is an ideal core text for undergraduate and graduate students of economics, political science, geography, public administration, and urban and regional planning. It is also a valuable resource for economic development professionals, NGOs, County Commissioner offices and others involved in the economic aspects of local economic development.
The book contains a very clear and interesting structure. Can be used as a textbook for courses on regional policy.
Used as a suggested text
I adopted this for last year's class. It is very good and just right for the audience. I can't use it this year, though. It is too out of date. I am trying to rush order the Blakely book!
The 13 chapters of the book cover essential critical themes around LED from various perspectives and well addressed to various target groups: students, academicians, researchers and practitioners. This book is well recommended for those who would like to explore LED from various lenses/ perspectives as applicable to multidisciplinary areas of development, governance and administration.
What I appreciated most about this book, was its accessibility for students with a weak economics background, yet who still have an interest in development planning and practice. The second edition offers a global perspective on local economic development and incorporates a more practical approach to LED which is especially beneficial to students preparing for the working world.
thank your for your great service!
Dense book; well researched and analysed but not apt for the 'principles of Sociology' course that I had hoped it would supplement.
Excellent for urban economic studies. Offers good academic content. Texts rich in theory and praxis. Readable for students.
Easily understood by students, concise yet thorough
This book is helpful for the course and its been used in my class at another university. Lazarski University warsaw.
very useful for development studies. Thank you.
Sage College Publishing
