Chapter Overview
Government roles in economic development, municipal entrepreneurialism, and state policy.
This chapter examines how states at various scales—from national governments to local municipalities—shape economic geography through policies, investments, and regulations. We explore debates about the appropriate role of government in the economy, how states compete to attract investment, and how development policies produce different geographic outcomes.
Chapter Resources
Required Reading
- Textbook: Chapter 9 Coe, Kelly & Yeung (2019)
- Economic Geography: A Contemporary Introduction
Download Slides
Video Content
- Multiple lecture sections
- State and economy
- Watch at your own pace
Video Lectures
Section 9.1: The State & Economic Geography ~15 minutes
Understanding the various roles states play in shaping economic landscapes: regulation, investment, and development.
Section 9.2: National Development Strategies ~15 minutes
How different countries have pursued economic development through various state-led approaches.
Section 9.3: Municipal Entrepreneurialism ~15 minutes
How local governments compete to attract investment through incentives, place marketing, and public-private partnerships.
Section 9.4: Debates About State Intervention ~15 minutes
Neoliberalism, industrial policy, and ongoing debates about the proper role of government in economic development.
Key Takeaways
State Fundamentals
- States remain powerful actors in shaping economic geography despite globalization
- Government policies create different spatial outcomes depending on approach
- Local governments increasingly compete as entrepreneurial actors
- Development strategies reflect different ideas about state-market relations
Key Concepts
- Developmental State: Governments that actively direct economic development
- Neoliberalism: Ideology favoring market solutions over state intervention
- Municipal Entrepreneurialism: Local governments acting like businesses to attract investment
- Industrial Policy: Government efforts to promote specific industries
- Place Marketing: Promoting locations to attract businesses and investment
Discussion Questions
Consider these questions as you watch the lectures and complete the readings:
- What role has government played in economic development in your region?
- Should cities compete to attract businesses with tax incentives? What are the trade-offs?
- How do different countries balance state intervention with market forces?
- What lessons can be learned from successful developmental states like South Korea?
- How has neoliberalism changed the role of government in economic geography?