The global economy has transformed during the last few decades. Though the changes have benefited some, many mature industrial economies (MIEs) have not been treated well by the changes they have seen and have been forced to adapt to dramatically changed circumstances. In this collection of original papers, economists and geographers from Asia, North America and Europe examine the policy initiatives that have succeeded in their countries. The analyses address issues such as local, state and federal governance, aging populations, inter-city cooperation and loss of dominant firms. Additionally, the authors discuss policy issues such as industrial tourism, the roles of education, knowledge and culture, and repositioning a regions place in the global economy. The volume also includes an empirical estimation of the competitiveness of major cities. The contributors to this book hold that it is possible for the overwhelming majority of MIEs to shape their policy in such a way that many of the objectives that will yield the most prosperity will fall within their reach. In that spirit, this book offers the elements for generating economic strategies for mature industrial economies. Suggesting frontier polices to help cities chart a course for future developmental success, this stimulating work is ideally suited to economists, policymakers, city planners, students and scholars of business, economics, urban studies and public policy, and all those concerned with creating equity for the cities of tomorrow.
