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2023 | Book

The Strategic Management of Place at Work

Why, What, How and Where

Editors: David B. Audretsch, Alice Civera, Erik E. Lehmann, Konstantin P. Leidinger, Jonah M. Otto, Laurenz Weiße, Katharine Wirsching

Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland

Book Series : Future of Business and Finance

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About this book

Global economic forces underpin political and social issues and have real impacts on the quality of life in local communities, cities, states and regions. In the face of potential volatility, leaders in every ‘place’ concern themselves with how they can ensure local economic resiliency for present and future generations. This book argues for the strategic management of places through intentional public policy that brings together stakeholders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors to create an inclusive and sustainable economic path forward. While many economists and political scientists have proposed one-size-fits-all approaches, this book puts forward a more holistic approach, giving local leaders and policymakers the tools to take inventory of their local contexts and providing case study examples of how to craft public policies that create prosperous and sustainable economic conditions.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter

Strategic Management of Places and Economic Development

Frontmatter
Economic Development in an Autonomous Region Within a State
Abstract
Catalonia, located in Spain and home to Barcelona, contributes to Europe’s import and export trade. While specializing in tourism and diverse industries, Catalonia hosts cruise lines, several local and international colleges, and over seven million inhabitants. We elaborate on the infrastructure and dynamics of this country. The main problems of Catalonia focus on unemployment and citizens’ independence. To tackle these issues, we provide an in-depth analysis of the current initiatives and policy measures undertaken by the regional government, highlighting potential strategies such as targeted employability, addressing the independence movement, as well as enhancing resilience due to exogenous shocks.
Sarah Bömicke, Rawan Khalil, Dina Mertens, Madison Stewart, Laurenz Weiße
An Analysis for Strategic Locational Management: The Case of Lombardy
Abstract
In this work an analysis of the Italian region is presented using the Prof. Audretsch’s framework, to identify its strengths and weaknesses and to suggest policies aimed at addressing eventual issues detected. Lombardy has been severely impacted by the recent Coronavirus crisis and therefore is an interesting case to study. The most evident criticalities were found to be (1) the coverage of the Internet and the lack of correspondence between the skills of the Lombard workers and the skills required by the labor market—as regards the factors of production; (2) the cultural factors inherent in the most widespread structure of the Lombard industry, i.e. the small and medium enterprises—as regards spaces and organization; and lastly (3) the development of SMEs and their internationalization—as regards the human dimension. The German region Bavaria was taken into consideration as a comparison term, in order to reveal areas of improvements and create more general recommendations. Data for the development of this research have been retrieved from the OECD and Istat databases and are conjugated with previous theoretical studies.
Alice Civera, Ian Campbell Gillies, Tadevos Hovhannisyan, Davide Magistrelli, Giacomo Vedovati
The Economic Performance of Las Vegas: Shaping Culture and Identity Through Economic Policy
Abstract
The broad economic issues that Las Vegas currently faces pose an interesting and complex situation. The main economic businesses are unable to sustainably support the rest of the local economy. A lack of diversity in industries in Las Vegas has led to a singular focused strategy followed by local policy initiatives. This main issue is also its major draw point and focus of the city’s tourism. Las Vegas focuses heavily on gambling and the entertainment industry. This creates a difficult situation to solve. The framework for creating a more diverse and effective local economy focuses primarily on how to manage the already existing factors of production, and the organization of how those factors impact the human dimension. Our research reflects the fact that the factors of production, primarily the existing infrastructure involved in the entertainment industry, provide a beginning of the ability to change policies. To solve these issues, we recommend two main policies. The first policy is to connect universities and research to regional growth. The second policy is to invest in a cultural economy initiative, supporting the creative class within Las Vegas. These policies will be effective and specifically catered to the people of Las Vegas, who will keep their identity and create a space of growth in their community.
Alice Civera, Kaci Craig, Natalie Erdhofer, Erin Larkin, Konstantin P. Leidinger, Alexandra Reichert
Strategic Management of Places: The Case of Singapore
Abstract
This paper analyses the strategic place Singapore. It provides a structured answer to the question of how Singapore is currently positioned and uses best practices to show how the city-state should develop in order to maintain its strong position in the world. Although Singapore has developed into one of the most influential countries in the world, there is an acute need for action in some areas. For the analysis, this paper strictly follows the framework “the strategic management of places” by David B. Audretsch (2015).
Alice Civera, Richard Feldkirchner, Massimo Galvagni Benini, Aharon Gentili

Employment, Labor Force and Equality

Frontmatter
Regional Differences in Unemployment: The German Case
Abstract
This paper examines the high unemployment rates in East Germany after almost 30 years since reunification. Since 1990, East Germany has struggled to decrease the unemployment rate due to several factors, like low investments in Research and Development (R&D), low entrepreneurial activity or factors of the human dimension. This paper analyzes the reason behind former East Germany’s failures in economic performance through factors of production, structure and organization, and human dimension.
Caitlin Helmus, Maira Huizar, David Strobel, Bastian Grossmann, Katharine Wirsching
Analyzing Youth Unemployment and Brain Drain in Southern Italy
Abstract
This paper examines the issue of the European Brain Drain in Italy while highlighting youth unemployment rates. Looking into these prominent issues that have been plaguing Italy especially in the South for years, this paper uses the framework provided by “Everything in its Place” by Audretsch (2015). Young students have been migrating to northern Italy or even out of the country to receive a university level education and to find a job. When they are faced with the current labor market situation, they move out of Italy. This has been occurring at a rapid rate for many years now. The main factors that are causing this problem are stagnant foreign direct investment inflows, corruption in the southern Italian government, short term labor contracts, and skill mismatch. The government has made failed attempts at solving this issue and this is partly because it is a very immense and complex problem. The paper has developed several ideas that could lead Italy toward the direction of progress. These policy change proposals include first enhancing Italy’s startup culture by investing in entrepreneurial areas, ultimately increasing foreign direct investment inflows. Increasing law enforcement to end corruption is the next step to solving the issue at hand. Finally, enhancing education and matching skills to occupations should send Italy on the fast track to slowing their youth unemployment and Brain Drain epidemic.
Alexandra Abler, Alice Ebert, Haley Drewes, Eneida Hoxha, Jonah M. Otto
Skilled Labor Shortages: The Bavarian Case
Abstract
The region of Bavaria is known as a powerhouse in Europe. Its recent economic history is characterized by innovation, steady growth, high wealth generation, and low unemployment rates. The abundance and continuous availability of low- and high-skilled labor due to good educational infrastructure and thoughtful policymaking have been a keystone for this development. However, different issues in the educational systems, as for example the decreasing attractiveness of apprenticeships, and the demographic change slowly deprive the region of this great competitive advantage. The problem of skilled labor shortage in Bavaria is a serious long-term threat to economic performance and therefore needs to be addressed in several ways. This essay considers policies addressing the educational system, labor market mismatches, as well as the demographic change. We propose strategies like increasing the potential workforce through the integration of immigrants, low-educated and older people, and qualifying them adequately through apprenticeships and education programs.
Aline Elz, Niklas Hübner, Konstantin P. Leidinger, Rediana Mema, Shelby Meredith
The Gender Pay Gap in France
Abstract
The present paper analyzes which characteristics, impact factors, and causes favored the emergence of the gender pay gap in France, by shedding light on societal, cultural, and political conditions and aims to provide possible policy approaches to solve the gap. France as a place is of particular interest due to its recent new pay gap measure that shall be introduced by the French government and France’s low position in the global ranking regarding wage equality for similar jobs. Women are paid less, and they get undervalued compared to their male counterparts, who conduct equivalent jobs. Hence, policy interventions, which narrow the gap, are crucial for France’s economy. Other European states, especially Finland and Sweden, which scored best in global comparisons due to their low-gender pay gaps, might serve as case studies and provide transferable strategies for France, such as legislation and pay system adjustments, investment funds, awards, or bonus incentives, to offset gender pay gaps within organizations.
Cassidy Caudill, Alice Farruggia, Laura Sonnenholzner, Simon Stobbe, Katharine Wirsching
Population Decline: Detroit’s Exodus
Abstract
This paper examines the phenomenon of shrinking cities, a problem defined as a major population decline in a city over an extended period. This paper focuses on Detroit as a prominent example since it went from being one of the leading city economies in the United States to declaring municipal bankruptcy over the course of the past century. From an economic perspective, the main factors that have contributed to Detroit’s population decline are a lack of economic diversity, an ineffective educational system, and a negative city image. For these findings, specific problem-solving approaches are formulated. These include an extensive focus on sports as a catalyst for community togetherness and a technology hub to create a more diversified economy to counteract further shrinking.
Morgan Carter, Niamh Dillon, Felix Gutsche, Konstantin P. Leidinger, Jan-Niklas Otte, Sara Signorelli
The Impact of Hosting the World Cup on the Economic Performance and Labor Conditions of Qatar
Abstract
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar: A momentous global sports event that will bring Qatar under the world’s scrutiny. Until the year 2010, Qatar was mostly known for its prosperity thanks to the country’s natural reserves of oil and gas. This changed with its selection to host the World Cup. Since then, labor abuse and human rights violations seem to be the hottest topics when talking about Qatar and its World Cup preparations. In this paper, Qatar’s much discussed problems, along with social, economic, and energy structure issues, will be analyzed and presented with detailed findings to introduce feasible improvement policies. The solution recommendations aim to utilize the 2022 World Cup as a catalyst by applying the strategic management of places framework, concentrating mainly on ‘factors of production’ and the “human dimension.” Ultimately, the aim of this paper is to analyze existing social and economic problems and provide viable suggestions for policies to improve Qatar’s future economic performance.
Irene Bonapace, Mengfan Chen, Paul Dennerlohr, Stephanie Nikolaus-Kiss, Jonah M. Otto, Yifan Wang

Environmental Challenges, Economic Development and the Region

Frontmatter
The Norwegian Paradox: Analyzing Overdependence on Oil Exports
Abstract
Norway—a country with an exceptionally environment-friendly image—is implementing lots of renewable resources for its own consumption. On the contrary, about half of Norway’s exports are crude petroleum and natural gas. This great overdependence on oil makes Norway especially vulnerable to fluctuations in the oil price, the amount of remaining resources, and the overall global acceptance of fossil energies. It is of high importance to diversify Norway’s exports in order to ensure long-term economic stability. Hence, this paper focuses on suggesting alternative businesses to strengthen other industries. This can be done through government investments in local businesses and by strengthening economically important SMEs and innovative startups.
Serena Bertozzi, Julia Camara, Hanna Goßner, Jonah M. Otto, Melanie Zott
Fracking in Texas: Effects on Economic Development and Future Outlook
Abstract
From a country-wide perspective, the state of Texas contributes the second-highest amount to the GDP of the United States). Within Texas, the energy sector has emerged as one of the strongest and most promising factors for economic development. The invention of fracking gave the oil and gas industry advanced possibilities to reach resources in places where traditional methods had to surrender. This technique enabled the state of Texas to become the country’s most important oil and gas provider. However, fracking is claimed to cause various negative side effects, especially on nature and the environment. This may bring up plenty of challenges for communities, companies, and policymakers. This paper uses the framework from “Everything in its Place: Entrepreneurship and the Strategic Management of Cities, Regions, and States” by David B. Audretsch to analyze Texas and the impacts fracking has on the economy. Solutions to rectify the situation are presented. These include implementations for water usage, regulations for chemicals used in the process, and the strengthening of entrepreneurial activities at universities.
Molly Brodzeller, Konstantin P. Leidinger, Korbinian Lorenz, Francesca Cotti Piccinelli, David Reber
The Economic Impact of Air Pollution in Beijing
Abstract
High levels of air pollution are causing health problems, premature deaths, crop losses, productivity losses, and a number of other challenges. Over the past few years, Beijing, China, has struggled with high concentrations of PM2.5, extremely fine particles that have caused significant economic loss. This paper evaluates the economic loss Beijing has suffered from air pollution, specifically its impact on health, productivity, and trade potential. Policies that target PM2.5 reduction through incentivizing solar energy use, green space, urban tree canopy, green energy entrepreneurship, and marketing a sustainable business strategy are proposed as solutions to air pollution in Beijing.
Miranda Anuszkiewicz, Truong Bao Ngoc Tran, Alessandro de Andrade Lausch, Michael Samet Jung, Jonah M. Otto, Natalia Rodriguez
The Intersection of Environmental Policy, Public Health, & Economic Performance in Shanghai
Abstract
Air pollution, energy inefficiency, and illnesses due to heat and poor air quality are the main focuses of the paper, which will be centered in the city of Shanghai, China. These issues are impacting Shanghai negatively in terms of human health and economic efficiency. However, all three of these issues can be solved with the implementation of various techniques, such as renewable energy resources, the use of environmentally conscious materials, passive building design, and strengthening environmental regulators. However, only one solution can solve all three of these issues simultaneously. The addition of green spaces in urban areas improves both the economic performance of a city through cost efficiency and the reduction of air pollutants, as well as public health in Shanghai.
Julia Bauer, Jordan Davis, Camilla Donatello, Jonah M. Otto

Strategic Challenges and Outlook for Places

Frontmatter
The Past, the Present, and the Future in Vorarlberg and Tyrol
Abstract
This paper aims to assess the development of the Alpine region of Austria according to Audretsch’s (2015) framework of strategic management of places. We specifically address the problems of Vorarlberg and Tyrol and further provide an analysis of possible solutions. One of the main aspects pointed out in this paper is that the small university and research network have negative effects on entrepreneurship and skilled labor, with the added negative impacts of climate change on the tourism industry. As a result, a recommendation is to introduce specialized training programs in rural areas along with an improvement of procedures and support for entrepreneurs. In order to address climate change and the economy, existing environmental policies need to be extended, and tourist-attracting events could be created to prevent a revenue loss in winter resulting from global warming.
Elena Anillo, Gonca Ari, Jana Hassel, Laura Hilbert, Ariane Sollwedel, Laurenz Weiße
Taranto: Revitalizing the Energy of a Mediterranean Port City
Abstract
Taranto, Italy, is a city on the Mediterranean serving as an important commercial port and the main Italian naval base. Mired by industrial pollution, Taranto is one of the most polluted cities in the world due primarily to emissions from the Ilva steel plant, the city’s primary employer. Environmental conditions combined with the leadership failures of governmental entities have created barriers to improving quality of life and utilizing existing assets for economic development and tourism. The authors analyze the possibilities for Taranto’s future should Ilva remain a viable employer, as well as economic development opportunities for future regional employment to ensure consistent employment should the steelworks become insolvent. This paper analyzes potential sustainable solutions for environmental remediation, expanding long-term energy solutions, leveraging historical assets for tourism, and utilizing existing assets for job creation, retention of unskilled and skilled labor, and attraction of a creative class to create a viable future for Taranto.
William Berceville, Alice Civera, Mona Höreth, Federico Pachera, Gianluca Premoli, Ann Ruble, Laurenz Weiße
Overdependence in Silicon Valley on the Technology Industry
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to use the Audretsch framework to analyze the Silicon Valley economy in relation to place. A thorough literature review was conducted regarding its socioeconomics. Looking through the lens provided by David Audretsch, in his book “Everything in Its Place, Entrepreneurship and the Strategic Management of Cities, Regions and States”, (Audretsch, 2015) it was concluded that although a quick look at the economic numbers shows a robust economy, closer investigation reveals that several factors exist that currently render Silicon Valley vulnerable to economic collapse. In this paper, the following four problems have been identified, analyzed, and fitted solutions for each have been offered. (1) The industry is composed of high-risk startup ventures that tend to be volatile in nature, over-valued by investors and with a high rate of failure. (2) The high-tech industry does not create a high number of jobs, but rather high levels of wealth for relatively few people. (3) The possibility of a negative effect due to several external threats which are developing may affect the high-tech industry. (4) The non-tech, middle-wage industries such as manufacturing, construction, transportation, and consumer products are underdeveloped in the area and lack competitive innovations.
Katherine Elizabeth Armstrong, Laurin Class, Konstantin P. Leidinger, Lucia Martinelli, Laura Schulze
New York City: The Challenges of the American Dream
Abstract
New York City is one of the most important and influential cities in the world. To many, it is the true embodiment of the “American Dream” – every citizen of the city has the chance to become wealthy and successful, as long as he or she works hard enough. Yet even a city with great amounts of opportunity has elements that prevent its citizens from achieving greatness, and New York City is no exception. With an overall high cost of living, including high price points for education and rent, New York has many characteristics that are roadblocks to social mobility, especially for its most vulnerable citizens. All these combined factors contribute to a relatively high socio-economic divide. The aforementioned high costs of rent and education, paired with high employer demands for skilled and educated workers, only exacerbate the problem. This analysis of the city has also pointed out the necessity of further investments in infrastructure, especially in specific neighborhoods that have poorer populations. New York City may be able to mitigate these issues by improving its social programs, funded by generating more revenue, revising its current tax code, and changing current budget allocations. Of course, as a city within the United States, these changes require strong partnerships between the city government and the state and federal governments.
Rachel Bellamy, Dimitri Bratelli, Luisa Heusel, Sabri Khalfallah, Katharine Wirsching
Dubai: A City of Contradictions
Abstract
Dubai is a city of contradictions. On the one hand, it has been home to spectacular economic and population growth for the better part of fifty years. On the other hand, that growth has come despite considerable human rights abuses. Paradoxically, it has been described as a “centrally planned free market economy.” The Jebel Ali Free Zone and the artificially built Palm Islands serve as examples of how to combine guided and unguided development. Despite these successes, the choice to build in Dubai at all is an odd one; 31% of Dubai’s population is projected to be underwater by the year 2100. Nevertheless, Dubai’s unique configuration of factors of production, human capital, public policy, and organization contribute to the unique local economic landscape of “The Gateway to the Middle East.”
Nicholas Baird, Joseph Blevins, Tim Scheerschmidt, Nicola Vecchi, Laurenz Weiße
Cape Town: Making Progress Possible Together?
Abstract
It is crucial for cities to be strategic about their investments and growth to harness the potential of urbanization and make the most of their opportunities. In this paper, we aim to deliver an insight into the array of factors that the city of Cape Town, South Africa, needs to consider, specifically when aiming for sustainable economic growth. The main results delivered by the analysis cover a variety of dimensions, including production, spatial, organizational, and human factors. These concluded main factors of influence are then used as a basis to present four potential policy strategy recommendations, inspired by the Economic Growth Strategy published by the city of Cape Town in 2013. They are specifically tailored toward a reliable infrastructure and transportation system, crisis management in terms of the water shortage, entrepreneurship and competition, as well as the mitigation of the aftermath of the apartheid era in terms of education and unemployment.
Luisa Bliesze, Bianca Foronda, Pia Obenauf, Tyler Rogian, Laurenz Weiße
The Strategic Management of Places: Applying a Framework to Analyze Local Economies
Abstract
The introduction to this book details the central problem at hand—how can localities work toward sustainable economic success, and what tools are available to help in that process? Starting by presenting the Strategic Management of Places Framework, this chapter puts forward a unique and more holistic way of addressing this issue. Following this, each individual component of this theoretical framework is then broken down and explained in detail, and practical cases demonstrating each component are also explicated so that the reader can easily conceive how these concepts can be practically implemented. After these in-depth examinations of the core tenets of the framework, the roadmap for the rest of the book is laid out and an overview of the countries and regions of the case studies in the book is provided.
David B. Audretsch, Erik E. Lehmann, Jonah M. Otto, Laurenz Weiße, Katharine Wirsching
Metadata
Title
The Strategic Management of Place at Work
Editors
David B. Audretsch
Alice Civera
Erik E. Lehmann
Konstantin P. Leidinger
Jonah M. Otto
Laurenz Weiße
Katharine Wirsching
Copyright Year
2023
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-29463-1
Print ISBN
978-3-031-29462-4
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-29463-1

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