This text examines two major themes: the strain placed on local economic cultures and economic networks in the Southern hemisphere and Eastern Europe by global deregulation; and the success rates of both novel, locally-rooted and more traditional economic structures in their attempts to adapt to deregulation. Contributions from a variety of authors combine a "flexible specialization in clusters" approach with original empirical data. An introduction and concluding chapter by the editors brings out the common issues and conclusions.

Enterprise Clusters and Networks in Developing Countries analyses the functions and advantages of clusters and networks for small enterprises in developing countries.
In the opening chapter the editors describe different types of clusters and networks and compare the diverse forms of external economies and co-operation effects derived from them. Taking a multidiscplinary approach, they point out it is trust that is the social basis for positive effects of clustering and networking, which are often sources of co-operation and technology diffusion for small enterprises in developing countries.

The completion of the Uruguay Round in April 1994 has not solved all the problems. The issue of regionalism versus multilateral agreements such as the Uruguay Round remains a crucial one, as is argued in the first five chapters of this volume. Successive chapters deal with specific issues such as green protectionism, technical standards, intellectual property rights protection, the effects of disarmament on international trade, the effects of abolishing the Multi-Fibre Agreement and the external impact of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy. The volume, on the whole, takes up where the newly created World Trade Organisation will have to start.

Enterprise Clusters and Networks in Developing Countries analyses the functions and advantages of clusters and networks for small enterprises in developing countries.In the opening chapter the editors describe different types of clusters and networks and compare the diverse forms of external economies and co-operation effects derived from them. Taking a multidiscplinary approach, they point out it is trust that is the social basis for positive effects of clustering and networking, which are often sources of co-operation and technology diffusion for small enterprises in developing countries.

The completion of the Uruguay Round in April 1994 has not solved all the problems. The issue of regionalism versus multilateral agreements such as the Uruguay Round remains a crucial one, as is argued in the first five chapters of this volume. Successive chapters deal with specific issues such as green protectionism, technical standards, intellectual property rights protection, the effects of disarmament on international trade, the effects of abolishing the Multi-fibre Agreement and the external impact of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy. The volume, on the whole, takes up where the newly created World Trade Organization will have to start.

Innovation is crucial for small enterprises to become and remain competitive in the global economy. In this book, the authors have combined theoretical insights with comprehensive case studies on innovation among small-scale enterprises in developing countries, paying particular attention to technological change in clusters of small firms.The authors deliberately use a broad definition of innovation in order to emphasise the fact that technological change and innovation adoption takes place on a wider scale and in a greater number of forms than is frequently assumed. The unusual case studies such as the Kenyan food processing sector, furniture making in Nicaragua and tile manufacturing in Indonesia highlight the patterns of innovation adoption and diffusion, and serve as a unique and fascinating backdrop to the study. The authors pay specific attention to innovation by small enterprises in times of economic crisis and go on to assess the mechanisms employed to promote innovation. They demonstrate that although radical innovation among small enterprises occurs on a limited scale, innovation through gradual incremental improvements in production processes and products is continuous. Innovation and Small Enterprises in the Third World will be widely read by academics, researchers and policymakers concerned with innovation adoption and diffusion, and third world development issues.

Urban management is a relatively new topic, which has gained increasing importance due to a rise in urbanization and a wave of decentralization programs in recent decades. This innovative book is the first systematic treatment of the critical urban management issues facing developing countries. The volume brings together a number of theoretical approaches and practical experiences in order to study the economic and financial aspects of urban management. The author argues that urban managers have to make their cities more competitive via the new opportunities provided by decentralization, and suggests that the formulation of a development strategy and the use of elements from new public management theory will improve urban governance and service delivery. In addition, emphasis is placed on the importance of involving different stakeholders, which will lead to an integrated analysis of urban problems and, therefore, integrated solutions. Related issues such as urban environmental sustainability and the role of modern information technology are also explored in detail. The book concludes with a review of the emerging new themes at the forefront of contemporary urban management studies. This important new volume will be an essential resource for students, scholars and practitioners with an interest in urban planning, development and management.

Urban management is a relatively new topic, which has gained increasing importance due to a rise in urbanization and a wave of decentralization programs in recent decades. This innovative book is the first systematic treatment of the critical urban management issues facing developing countries. The volume brings together a number of theoretical approaches and practical experiences in order to study the economic and financial aspects of urban management. The author argues that urban managers have to make their cities more competitive via the new opportunities provided by decentralization, and suggests that the formulation of a development strategy and the use of elements from new public management theory will improve urban governance and service delivery. In addition, emphasis is placed on the importance of involving different stakeholders, which will lead to an integrated analysis of urban problems and, therefore, integrated solutions. Related issues such as urban environmental sustainability and the role of modern information technology are also explored in detail. The book concludes with a review of the emerging new themes at the forefront of contemporary urban management studies. This important new volume will be an essential resource for students, scholars and practitioners with an interest in urban planning, development and management.