NON-LINEAR REGIONAL INCOME DIVERGENCE AND POLICIES: TURKEY CASE

Hasan Engin DURAN

Izmir Institute of Technology, City and Regional Planning Department,Assistant Professor of Economics, Gülbahce Kampüsü, Izmir Yüksek Teknoloji Ensitüsü, Mimarlık Fakültesi, Şehir ve bölge Planlama Bölümü, Urla-Izmir,  Tel: +90 506 845 59 83
enginduran@iyte.edu.tr

Abstract

The literature on economic convergence is strongly influenced by Neo-Classical Growth model. It describes a monotone saddle path along which each economy converges towards a unique steady state. Commonly employed method in convergence analysis is the linear cross-sectional regressions which links the annual growth rate of regions to their initial income level. Ignoring the non-linearities is important from a policy perspective that implications obtained from a linear regression can be very different to the policies learned from a non-linear case. Aim of the present study is to analyze regional income convergence in Turkey by using nonparametric convergence regressions. We implement our study for 67 provinces and a period 1975-2000. We find that the relationship between initial income and growth takes a  inverted-U shape which means that the very low-income and high-income group of provinces experince a slow growth pattern compared to middle-income group. This has several implications for regional economic policies. First, middle-income provinces are able to stimulate their economies and fulfill their potential for convergence by market forces. Second, however, the very low-income provinces need a substantial help and assistance.It, therefore,  becomes a natural necessity to direct policy instruments such as subsidies, direct and indirect income transfers, tax exemptions and other resources  to these areas. In this way, nonparametric estimations provide a very useful guide to the way how the resources should be allocated across provinces.

Keywords: Convergence, nonparametric regressions, Regional Policies

JEL classification: R11, R12
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THE ROLE OF SMES IN SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL BUSINESS INTEGRATION: THE CASE OF LUBLIN REGION (POLAND)

Anna ARENT

Faculty of Management – Lublin University of Technology, Poland, http://en.pollub.pl/
a.arent@pollub.pl

Matylda BOJAR

Faculty of Management – Lublin University of Technology, Poland, http://en.pollub.pl/
m.bojar@pollub.pl

Francisco DINIZ

Centre for Transdisciplinary Development Studies (CETRAD); Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal, http://www.cetrad.info/
fdiniz@utad.pt

Nelson DUARTE

School of Management and Technology of Felgueiras – Polytechnic of Porto – CIICESI, www.estgf.ipp.pt, and CETRAD http://www.cetrad.info/, Portugal
nduarte@estgf.ipp.pt

Abstract

This paper analyses the role of SMEs in regional development, focusing the particular case of Lublin Region in Poland. This study aims, in a first stage, to analyse entrepreneurs’ view of their role in local and regional development, by the adoption of sustainability strategies. After that, it will also be explored the relation between sustainable development and other variables such as: business local integration, firm age, number of years in the actual location, or firm legal form. The methodology adopted was the questionnaire, in order to get entrepreneurs opinion. 314 questionnaires were answered by managers from SMEs operating the in region of Lublin, acting the in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Results show the economic perspective as the major concern of entrepreneurs. Most of firms present a proactive attitude towards to sustainable development – older firms present a greater concern with social and environmental issues. It was also identified the existence of high levels of local integration. However, firms that are operating behind regional frontiers are promoting a more efficient local development than local acting firms.

Keywords: SMEs, Sustainable Development, Local/Regional Development

JEL classification: M10, O14, O18, O44

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STUDY OF WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN MAMANGUN TUNTANG MAHAGA LEWU PROGRAM (PM2L) IN GUNUNG MAS DISTRICT, CENTRAL KALIMANTAN

Kuwing BABOE

Social Science Department, Faculty of Education and Teachers Training, Palangka Raya University,
Jl. Tunjung Nyaho, Palangka Raya, Kalimantan Tengah 73112, Indonesia
kuwingbaboe@gmail.com

Abstract

This research is conducted in villages Rabauh,Tanjung Untung and Hantapang, Gunung Mas district, Central Kalimantan. The research uses descriptive analytical. The data collection is taken through observations and questionnaires on the relevant program, institutions and community groups. Rabauh rural women’s participation in PM2L particular on basic infrastructure development program is inactive. Their involvement only as a receiver and connoisseurs of such assistance. Similarly, at the village of Tanjung Untung and Hantapang. The participation of rural women in PM2L in Gunung Mas is not directly involved due to most activities are carried out is handle by government agencies. In general, the villagers Rabauh, Tanjung Untung and Hantapang already have an understanding the importance of health, and in terms of women as decision-maker has contribute in family planning program in such as health care, immunization, bringing awareness to Pustu child, maternal and child health. Women’s participation in in economic empowerment program as gender analysis had a positive impact through PM2L program which is improve the economy of villagers Rabauh, Tanjung Untung and Hantapang. However, in terms of gender equality such as direct involvement of women in the executive cadre is still less empowered. PM2L program as a whole in Gunung Mas need to be improved and support by government continuously through coordination, monitoring and evaluation.

Keywords: women’s participation, PM2L

JEL classification: J160
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