A valuable addition to ABC-CLIO's Global Studies series, this resource covers Japan in two main sections-a narrative history and an extensive general reference section. Japan: A Global Studies Handbook offers a friendly introduction to this vital, ancient country. In a series of practical, readable essays, this title explores Japan's island geography and its influence on the nation's history. Japan traces the "economic miracle" that was born in the ashes of World War II and grew into an economy seven times the size of China's-but at considerable social cost. It examines Japan's vibrant cultural traditions-from the 11th century's The Tale of Genji to karaoke, sushi, and the "salary man." Japan entices readers to continue their exploration by offering an inviting collection of jumping-off points: a timeline of Japanese history; a mini-encyclopedia of significant people, places, and events; and an annotated bibliography covering all aspects of Japanese society. A detailed timeline charts landmarks in Japanese history, from the rise of the Jomon culture in 11,000 B.C.E. to the bursting of the economic bubble in the 1990s A compendium of practical information describes Japanese customs, from gift-giving to bathing etiquette

Building on a variety of contrasting perspectives, this book focuses on the connection between university spin-offs and regional economic development. It aptly captures the diverse range of concepts relating to the main participants in the process of university spin-offs, reflecting on their roles and how these may have changed. This fascinating book provides the reader with an in-depth exploration into the spin-off process, examining how it can begin and evolve over time and how it links to regional development. Chapters highlight pertinent methodological issues previous studies have faced, while putting forward intriguing critiques of the institutional environment. The lifespan and performance of these spin-offs is scrutinised, as well as their operation at different stages of development. Interdisciplinary perspectives are summarised in order to fully investigate the importance of university spin-offs to the economic development of regions. The Geography of Academic Entrepreneurship will be of keen interest to academics within the fields of economic geography and entrepreneurial business, and to those researching technology transfer processes in various national contexts. It will additionally be of great use to postgraduate students researching these processes, as well as policymakers seeking to ascertain how university spin-offs should be comprehended.

Illustrating the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the changes it has generated in the economy, society and culture, this expansive book continues the debate concerning the digital revolution and the rise of the algorithmic society. Examining technological, economic and social transformations, and the role played by culture in terms of risks and new opportunities, Luciana Lazzeretti expertly reviews the issues surrounding the economics of innovation and the interaction with culture, creativity and local development to establish a future agenda for research. Commencing with a historical overview, Lazzeretti discusses how culture and creativity allow us to face the challenges of the new digital revolution and provides insightful antidotes to the risks generated by the rise and evolution of an algorithmic society. The key elements of the art of imagination and human intelligence are examined together with their mutual interactions and relationship with AI as they continue to remain intertwined. With a contemporary approach, this invaluable book will be an excellent resource for researchers and scholars interested in cultural economy and digitalization of cultural heritage. It will also be of interest to professionals who want to develop competencies relating to new technologies and the role of cultural organizations in the digital revolution.

Critically reviewing major factors that disrupt local and regional development, Mustafa Dinc provides a transparent interpretation of the circular and cumulative relationship between these disruptions and development, highlighting ways to help interrupt this cycle. The book emphasizes the role and responsibility of individuals in the development process by exploring a humanist approach to local and regional development. Chapters analyse the impacts of information and technological revolutions, globalization, conflict and migration, the depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation, and the deterioration of traditional human values on local and regional development. Moving away from macro-perspectives, this timely book looks at how technology, competition and economic integration over the past few decades have created undeniable social, political, economic and environmental problems for every country, exploring how these may harm the political and social fabric of society to an irreparable point, unless effective action is taken. Written in an accessible style, this is an important read for development studies scholars, as well as economics and sociology scholars focusing on development. It will also benefit local and regional policy-makers needing a more in-depth understanding of the issues facing development in our modern world.

Healing the economic and social wounds inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic will take time, but the long road to recovery presents a unique opportunity to build back better. To catalyze change and succeed in the post-pandemic era, economic development policy and practice must see the crisis as an opportunity to rethink and redesign regional economic systems. This will involve creating a shared understanding of – and policies to address – the differential impacts of the pandemic across occupations, industries, and socioeconomic groups. Rethinking how existing economic development tools, frameworks, and practices can be optimized has never been more compelling. Special attention must be given to interventions capable of accelerating desirable trends that will shape the next normal in our contemporary discussions on the COVID-19 pandemic. This book explores the challenges and opportunities heralded by the virus in the broadest sense and presents case studies on equitable and inclusive economic recoveries. Regional Economic Systems after COVID-19 offers actionable insights for regional policymakers, business leaders, investment and trade promotion agencies, site selectors, students, scholars, researchers, and organizations involved in tourism, foreign direct investment, and economic development.

This Handbook expertly explores the profound transformations in international relations (IR) in recent decades. Proliferating cross-border challenges, including global financial crises, climate change, environmental degradation, irregular migration, and COVID-19, require governance structures that transcend the nation state and take both global and regional interplay, as well as problem-solving capacities, into account. Contributing authors investigate the effectiveness of international cooperation and performance in a diverse range of policy fields. Offering a comprehensive overview of the latest theoretical and empirical research on the interactions between global and regional governance, this book explicitly takes into account the rise of new powers and the Global South. It seeks to integrate perspectives, ideas and policies from both Western and non-Western societies in order to better explain relationships among multiplying actors in a highly interdependent world. This cutting-edge Handbook will be an essential read for academics and students of political science, IR, and related disciplines. Professionals in diplomatic, developmental, environmental, trade, and financial fields will also benefit from its accessible evaluation of global and regional governance.

Many developed countries are facing a demographic change with an increasing share of older individuals, yet little is known about how older workers will impact regional and national economies in terms of labor market dynamics. One possible outcome of this new demographic structure is that more individuals will become entrepreneurs at an older age. This Handbook contributes to the important and emerging field of entrepreneurship among this group and focuses on the behavioral perspectives of this phenomenon; on innovation, dynamics and performance; and the ways entrepreneurship among the elderly looks within different countries. Researchers interested in the field of entrepreneurship among older workers and policy makers dealing with the effects of changing demographic settings within countries or regions will turn to this work to gain a better understanding of entrepreneurship and aging. Contributors include: Z. Acs, M. Amaral, A.E. Brouwer, M. Cucculelli, M. Damman, H. Delfmann, M. Dragusin, R. Fonseca, M. Fritsch, M.M. Gielnik, J. Hessels, C. Holmquist, M. Klinthall, B. Leick, R. Mariana, A. Maritz, C. Matos, H. Mayer, M. Mensmann, G. Micucci, S.C. Parker, A. Sorgner, R. Sternberg, E. Sundin, P. van der Zwan, H. Van Solinge, D. Welsh, M. Wyrwich, H. Zacher, T. Zhang

Responding to global events, including the international financial crisis (IFC) and the COVID-19 pandemic, central banks and the monetary regimes in many Latin American countries responded with actions to mitigate the worst impacts. The authors in this book focus on the recent trends of monetary policy in Latin America and analyze how the actions that were taken have affected the economic performance of these countries. The book is composed of 11 chapters that analyze, theoretically and empirically, the central banks' actions and the monetary regimes of the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay. As most of these countries implemented inflation-targeting regimes in the 1990s and 2000s, a special focus will be given on these experiences and how central banks dealt with the IFC and COVID-19 crises. Academic researchers and students of economics will find a wealth of knowledge contained in these chapters, as will anyone looking for a better understanding of the economy of this important region.

This timely and engaging book explores the role of European political entrepreneurship in debating, shaping and implementing the Europe 2020 strategy. Insightful chapters analyse the content, conditions and consequences of Europe 2020, investigating the plan for a future prosperous EU economy. Focussing on how European political entrepreneurship functions in times of crisis, Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth considers these crises as potential windows of opportunity. The expert contributors highlight how the 2020 strategy has been debated, decided on, and then implemented from a governance perspective with multiple actors, and look ahead to necessary future developments. Further to this, multi-level governance is discussed as a way to address the demanded socio-economic goals across the EU in order to effect smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Entrepreneurship and public policy scholars, particularly those with an interest in European affairs will find this book to be an interesting read. It will also prove to be a powerful resource for politicians and public servants working within the Europe 2020 strategy. Contributors include: H. Ekelund, A. Haglund-Morrissey, C. Karlsson, M. Nilsson, M. OEhlen, A. Parkhouse, B. Pircher, C. Silander, D. Silander, S. Tavassoli

This title combines the challenges of Africa's development with leadership theory. Since proper assessment of a particular context - with its historical, philosophical, political, social and technological facets - is crucial for effective leadership, the author attempted to provide sufficient information about Africa to contextualise the leadership challenge.

Exploring the importance of megacities and megacity-regions as one of the defining features of the 21st century, this Handbook provides a clear and comprehensive overview of current thinking and debates from leading scholars in the field. Highlighting major current challenges and dimensions of megaurbanization, chapters form a thematic focus on governance, planning, history, and environmental and social issues, supported by case studies from every continent. Analysing vital questions for contemporary urban research, this Handbook looks at: what place megacities and megacity-regions occupy in a world of cities; how they interrogate current thinking about urban society, theory, and policy; and what role these largest of urban areas will play in shaping humanity's future. Key contributions reveal that research needs to further focus a critical and analytical lens on the particularities and distinctive issues associated with megaurbanization. A timely and essential read for urban studies, urban geography, and public policy students, the interdisciplinary nature of this Handbook provides a thorough view into the features and importance of megacities and megacity-regions. Public policy-makers and planners will also benefit from the wide-ranging case studies included.

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary. This insightful Research Agenda takes a thematic approach to analysing reform in regional and local government, exploring central concepts such as devolution, Europeanisation and globalisation. Expert contributors address key trends in structural change and reorganisation, subnational autonomy and decentralisation, metropolitan governance, and multi-level governance. Chapters explore managerial innovations and reform, democratic participation and leadership, and populism at local and regional levels. Identifying promising research avenues in these fields, the Research Agenda reflects on the effects of the 2008 global financial crisis, and potential lessons that are arising for subnational governments following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. It concludes that although the 2008 crisis has had some impact on territorial governance, there is greater continuity than radical change. Addressing particular themes and trends from a comparative perspective, this Research Agenda will be critical reading for scholars and students of international politics, urban studies and regional studies.

This volume presents thirteen chapters prepared by senior researchers and former policy makers on key policy issues confronting China and the West. They focus on the role of the state in economic development, trade issues and the part played by innovation, digitalization and leadership. In a challenging and rapidly changing world, the book aims to provide not only authoritative analyses and perspectives, but to stimulate further thinking and debates about the common future. Each chapter is in the form of a short policy brief. China and the West is aimed for policy makers, business leaders, academics and students.

'This book is a remarkable and often inspirational tour de force. Martin Jones confidently moves between theories of political economy and stories of regional and urban policy, using each to inform the other. He brings the uneven geographies of England to life, showing how they are reproduced in practice, while also offering the prospect of alternative futures.' - Allan Cochrane, The Open University, UK Offering a geographical political economy analysis, this book explores the mechanisms, institutions, and spaces of subnational economic development. Martin Jones innovatively examines how policy-makers frame problems and offer intervention solutions in different cities and regions. Drawing on different approaches to state intervention, neoliberalism, crisis and contradiction theories, and notions of depoliticisation, this book explains policy failure and how it is impacted by flux surrounding economic development. With constant changes to legislation, institutional initiatives, and ministerial responsibility, local and regional economic development is shown to be at a critical crossroads. Theoretically innovative and empirically focused, this timely book is a must-read for researchers and policy-makers of urban geography, regional development, political economy and public policy.

It is January, 1978. Groups of nervous, dutiful white conscripts begin their National Service with Rhodesia's security forces. Ian Smith's minority regime is in its dying days and negotiations towards majority rule are already under way. For these inexperienced eighteen-year-olds, there is nothing to do but go on fighting, and hold the line while the transition happens around them. Dead Leaves is a richly textured memoir in which an ordinary troopie grapples with the unique dilemmas presented by an extraordinary period in history - the specters of inner violence and death; the pressurized arrival of manhood; and the place of conscience, friendship and beauty in the pervasive atmosphere of futile warfare.

This Handbook of Cities and Networks provides a cutting-edge overview of research on how economic, social and transportation networks affect processes both in and between cities. Exploring the ways in which cities connect and intertwine, it offers a varied set of collaborations, highlighting different theoretical, historical and methodological perspectives. International contributions assess the state of the field of network analysis, presenting interdisciplinary insights that draw on theory from geography, economics, sociology, history, archaeology and psychology, and outlining methodological tools that include ethnographic, qualitative and quantitative approaches. Illustrating a framework for integrating the diversity of urban networks, the Handbook demonstrates that by exploring urban networks with different combinations of levels and scales, new insights and opportunities can emerge. Featuring focused studies on specific regions and cities, this state-of-the-art Handbook is essential reading for scholars and researchers of urban studies and regional science, particularly those focusing on the transformation of cities as connected spaces through intracity and intercity networks. Its core theoretical insights will also benefit graduate students in urban studies and network analysis.

This comprehensive Handbook provides an in-depth analysis of the nature of East Asian economic integration alongside thoughtful insights into contemporary issues, such as digital technology and the environment. Contributors provide detailed explanations of the origins of the topic, tracing the evolution of production networks and guiding readers through contemporary policy issues. Key feaatures: Trade, poverty and Aid-for-Trade Skills and human capital development policies of ASEAN Institutional reforms, regulatory reform and measuring integration Agricultural development, structural transformation and East Asian trade The Handbook concludes with a considered review of regional security and discusses how improvements in this area can cause obstructions to economic integration, highlighting future approaches for how these issues can be resolved. Accessible and engaging, this Handbook will be an excellent resource for scholars of Asian and regional economics and studies. Policymakers within the media and financial institutions will also benefit from the practical case studies and suggested avenues for future policy improvements.

This Handbook is a state-of-the-art analysis of proximity relations, offering insights into its history alongside up-to-date scientific advances and emerging questions. Its broad scope - from industrial and innovation approaches through to society issues of living and working at a distance, territorial development and environmental topics - will ensure an in-depth focus point for researchers in economics as well as geography, organizational studies, planning and sociology. Split into four distinctly thematic parts, the Handbook explores the precise definition of proximity relationships and their diversity, including the role they play in social and economic interactions as well as examining the origins and evolution of such relationships. It further presents a detailed overview of the main methods of analysis, highlighting the link between proximity relationships and exchange of information while explaining how exchanges at a distance rely on links of organized proximity, something that plays an increasing role in our societies. This engaging Handbook will provide an excellent update for scientists and researchers on the recent developments in the analysis of proximity relations as well as students looking for precise and detailed information on the main characteristics of proximity relations, regional and spatial analysis, and the major analytical tools.

Most colonies became independent countries after the end of World War II, while few of them became modernized even after decades of their independence. Taiwan is one of the few to become a modern state with remarkable achievements in its economic, socio-cultural, and political development. In 1921, Taiwanese intellectuals initiated a Petition Movement for the Establishment of a Taiwanese Parliament under the colonial government. Leaders of the enlightenment also established the Taiwan Cultural Association (TCA) on October 17, 1921. These two movements led to a series of socio-cultural, political, and economic developments during the past century. This book addresses the path and trajectory of the emergence of Taiwan from a colony to a modern state in the past century. It contains four major sections on identity and political developments and explores international relations, economic development. educational and societal development, and culture and literature development. This thorough exploration will prove invaluable to graduate and undergraduate students in Taiwan history, literature, and the cultural and political economy of development as well as students studying East Asia. It offers the same wealth of information to researchers and practitioners in Taiwan-China-US trilateral relations and in cultural anthropology and practices in East Asia politics and business.

Providing an overview of industrial development using a variety of different approaches and perspectives, the Handbook of Industrial Development brings together expert contributors and highlights the current multiple and interdependent challenges that can only be addressed using an interdisciplinary approach. Chapters discuss the existing issues faced by industry following both the digital and environmental transitions, highlighting their regional roots and the interplay with the wider institutional framework. Investigating the necessity for companies to design new products and production processes and also re-think their corporate responsibilities, this Handbook illustrates the need for a much broader vision taking into account historical, social, political and cultural viewpoints at all governmental levels. Furthermore, it takes an analytical look at further research, including insightful directions for future industrial development policies. Answering complex policy questions for today, this crucial Handbook will be invaluable for policymakers looking for insights into sustainable industrial development as well as practitioners who are seeking an up-to-date comprehensive overview of the topic. Economic development and innovation scholars and researchers will also find the future research ideas interesting and informative.

This unique book explores what subregions are in a European context and what roles they fulfil in relation to the European integration process, exploring how subregional cooperation and integration in Europe largely take place in the shadow of the European integration process. Mats Braun examines how subregions fulfil two specific functions in relation to the European integration process: they compensate for the fact that countries are connected to the European Union in different ways, and they facilitate cooperation in fields where the EU has failed to do so. The book analyses two of the European subregions in detail, the Nordics and the Visegrad, and explores how these groups gain legitimacy. Braun suggests that Nordic cooperation is based on perceptions of shared norms relating, among other things, to peace, while the Visegrad Group has become widely known only in the aftermath of the migration crisis and is now developing a new narrative based on protecting Europe. Elaborating on a theoretical framework based on postfunctionalism, this book will be critical reading for scholars and students of European politics and policy, international relations and regional studies. Its focus on the two case studies will also be beneficial for policy makers and analysts interested in the politics of the Nordic and Visegrad countries.