A NOTE ON LOCAL PUBLIC GOOD INDUCED SPILLOVERS BETWEEN A LEADING AND A LAGGING REGION

Amitrajeet A. BATABYAL

Department of Economics, Rochester Institute of Technology, 92 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623-5604, USA.

aabgsh@rit.edu

Abstract

We analyze spatial spillovers in an aggregate economy consisting of a leading and a lagging region where the spillovers stem from the provision of a local public good. Specifically, if the leading region provides the public good then the lagging region obtains some spillover benefits and vice versa. We first solve for the Nash equilibrium levels of the local public goods in the two regions when public investment decisions are simultaneous; next, we determine the equilibrium welfare levels in each region. Second, on the assumption that the public investment decisions are centralized, we compute the levels of the local public goods that maximize aggregate welfare. Finally, we describe an interregional transfer scheme that leads each region to choose non-cooperatively in a Nash equilibrium the same public investment levels as those that arise when aggregate welfare is maximized.

Keywords: Lagging Region, Leading Region, Local Public Good, Spatial Spillover

JEL classification: R11, O18

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN URBAN HERITAGE PROMOTION: RESIDENTS’, VISITORS’, AND STUDENTS’ CONTRIBUTIONS

Veronika JOUKES

University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Centre for Transdisciplinary Development Studies (CETRAD)

veronika@utad.pt

Isabel COSTA

University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Centre for Transdisciplinary Development Studies (CETRAD), Centre for Research and Intervention in Education (CIIE)

isacosta@utad.pt

Francisco DINIZ

Centre for Transdisciplinary Development Studies (CETRAD)

fdiniz@utad.pt

Abstract

The present study is part of a broader research carried out in Chaves, a medium sized town on the border with Spain, in the interior north of Portugal, and it took place within the Monumental Chaves – Valuing and Promoting Cultural Values and Heritage Strategic Programme. This programme focussed on keeping and promoting the town’s monumental heritage (both architectural and archaeological) at the heart of the town’s historic centre, and aimed to make a positive difference on the development of the territory in which it is located. It included a set of studies on impact monitoring which ended up attaining goals that had not been foreseen in the initial programme, not only because these were purposely extended, but also because of the methodological approach that was chosen. Thus, this article presents the residents’, students’, and visitors’ perspectives on the subject of monumental heritage protection, conservation and enhancement. Results show that protection, conservation, and enhancement of cultural heritage still matters for the population segments whose opinions were taken into consideration, who acknowledge its value as a solid resource for the town’s and the region’s development. Cultural tourism as a personal strategy of informal self-learning also plays a specific role. Worth mentioning is the fact that young people have different and broader views on the future of both the heritage and of the town containing it. Results of the studies in question amply justify a promotion and development proposal that goes beyond the limits of the town’s historic centre and bestows on it a major role in terms of the town’s and the region’s development. The conclusions of the study are a contribution to increase public opinion monitoring and public participation in actions designed to enhance cultural heritage, more so in towns which have an historic centre.

Keywords: historic centre renewal, public participation, cultural tourism, youth, regional development

JEL classification: O18, P25, O21
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HOW TO DEVELOP AN EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF URBAN GDP BY SMART CITY DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA

Sabyasachi  TRIPATHI

Assistant Professor, Department of Economics Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India

sabya.tripathi@gmail.com

Abstract

The present paper tries to understand the causes behind the emergence of India’s large agglomeration (or giant cities) and how these large agglomerations are linked with economic growth. In addition, the distribution of urban economic growth is measured by the estimation of poverty, inequality and pro-poorness. The paper suggests that the upcoming “Smart cities” in India will emerge as a greater platform for future development of urban India, only if these cities surely ensure smart distribution of the fruits of urban economic growth to the poorer section of urban dwellers.

Keywords: Agglomeration, Economic growth, Poverty, Inequality, Urban India

JEL classification: O18, R11, D63

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