The overall objective of the course is to enable participants to understand the economic dimensions of spatial planning.

In the first part of the course we are going to focus on the role of regional economic development. Why do some regions and territories perform systematically better than others in terms of economic development and wealth? What are the key drivers of local and regional economic performance? How can local and regional economic development policies boost economic activity and improve socio-economic conditions in disadvantaged areas? Globalisation and technological change have challenged the 'traditional' answers to these questions and call for new analytical and policy tools. This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the macro determinants of regional and local economic development and of the policies influencing these drivers.

After examining the existing disparities in regional economic performance between and within a number of advanced, emerging and developing countries, the course illustrates the scope and justification for government intervention in this area. Various theories and approaches to local and regional economic development, leading to different policy prescriptions, are analysed in order to identify different macro and micro determinants of economic performance (from innovation and human capital to health as well as trade and institutions).

Throughout this course we will have a strong focus on tools of analyses, concepts and terms as well as methods for data analysis and empirical studies which help enhance our understanding of planning and development challenges and effective solutions.

Recommended Literature

• S Brakman, H Garretsen & C van Marrewijk, The New Introduction to Geographical Economics, Cambridge University Press, 2009.
• P Dicken, Global Shift: Mapping the Changing Contours of the World Economy, Sage, 2007.
• J H Dunning (Ed), Regions, Globalization and the Knowledge-Based Economy, Oxford University Press, 2000.
• C Jones Introduction to Economic Growth 2nd edition, Norton 2001.
• A number of more specialised texts to be recommended at the beginning of the course.