This edited volume on international development is a collection of papers presented at the international postgraduate conference “Development: What Now?” in Hong Kong from the 9th to 11th October 2014. With the support of the Postgraduate Students Conference Grant of the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, this conference was organised by the Department of Applied Social Science of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The conference aimed to contribute in answering the vital question for the future of development studies: “What Now?” The conference explored some of the past, present and future challenges in international development. It was a grand success attracting over 60 participants from Germany, Indonesia, Canada, Italy, India, Poland, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, Brazil, the UK and Hong Kong. The participants presented their research papers on ten major themes. These included (1) Empowering People, Climate Change and Education; (2) Poverty Reduction; (3) Gender Studies; (4) Human Rights, Environment and Wellbeing; (5) Foreign Aid and Development Cooperation; (6) Security and Transnationality; (7) Economic Development; (8) Urban and Rural Development; (9) Governance, Diplomacy and Health in Development; (10) Sociology and Diversity in Psychology, Literature and Advertising. The highlights of the conference were the two defining speeches delivered by Emeritus Professor Robert J. Holton of Trinity College Dublin and The University of South Australia, and Professor Damien Kingsbury of Deakin University, Australia. These two keynote speeches, together with other outstanding conference papers, have been selected and published in this volume.

Trying to explain the sources of Poland’s economic success and decouple it from simple stylized facts on economic convergence anchored in the neoclassical growth models, the chapters show how the Polish economy rapidly moved away from the communist economic system, which had ended up in an economic collapse.

This book addresses the EU as powerful driver of the wave of privatizations in the network industries and public services since the early 1990s. Based on theoretical arguments and empirical studies it examines the impact of these policies on what is regarded as the normative pillars of the European Social Model.

The success of an economy to adapt quickly, flexibly, and effectively to the demands of the changing international economic environment can only be investigated using the achievements of other national economies or regions as a benchmark. This book analyzes the fundamental factors of competitiveness, which will, in turn, facilitate economic development and growth, in the new post-crisis environment. In the economic, social, legal, and technological environment that has emerged in recent years, as well as in the period after the recent financial crisis, it is critical to define, assess, and implement new pathways to competitiveness and economic development. The book covers all aspects of competitiveness and economic growth, from financial intermediaries to tourism and the digital economy, and from regulation and corporate governance to exchange rate dynamics and monetary policy issues. It uses empirical findings from a variety of different countries with divergent economic structures and policies. It examines the new system of production, and the technological, commercial, financial and institutional environment, with the aim of recommending a proportional division of benefits and costs of economic growth. It offers a fresh, holistic, and flexible concept to underscore the new relationship between competitiveness and economic growth. Such an approach is needed, whereby competitiveness is no longer a zero-sum game between countries, but is achievable for all countries. The book recommends future directions and offers policy solutions, and as such, will appeal to students, researchers, and policymakers, as well as those interested in the role of competitiveness in the operation of markets, productivity, and economic development, and how it might foster innovation and growth.

This edited volume focuses on economic integration, currency union, and sustainable and inclusive growth in East Africa. It consists of twelve interrelated studies that provide a comprehensive picture of the state and determinants of economic development and cooperation among countries in East Africa, such as Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. The contributions are grouped into five parts: economic integration and its effects on trade; common currency and exchange rate; research, innovation, and knowledge, and shadow economics and corruption; inclusive and sustainable growth; and the conflict-growth nexus and reconstruction. This book will appeal to scholars and decision makers looking for the necessary tools and determinants of economic development and cooperation in East Africa.

HauptbeschreibungThe 3rd International Conference on "Baltic Business and Socio-Economic Development" took place between 17th and 19th of June 2007 in Tallinn. The conference provided an opportunity to discuss issues related particularly to assessment of socio-economic development and business environment in the Baltic Sea Region, the economic and financial situation of SMEs, and possibilities of international co-operation in the area of education activity. With more than 100 participants the conference represented a great platform to disseminate knowledge on socio-economic conditions for regi.