What is economic development?
These various definitions were taken from a variety of Internet sites, for which Lakeland staff does not claim credit. This is meant to be a thinking piece to consider what economic development is, as we proceed toward defining it for our own planning efforts. IEDC defines the term as a program, group of policies, or activity that seeks to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for a community, by creating and/or retaining jobs that facilitate growth and provide a stable tax base. Typically economic development can be described in terms of objectives. These are most commonly described as the creation of jobs and wealth, and the improvement of quality of life.
Development economics is a branch of economics that focuses on improving fiscal, economic, and social conditions in developing countries. Development economics considers factors such as health, education, working conditions, domestic and international policies, and market conditions with a focus on improving condition the
world's poorest countries.
The field also examines both macroeconomics and microeconomics factors relating to the structure of developing economies and domestic and international economic growth.
Development economics is a branch of economics whose goal is to better the fiscal, economic, and social conditions of developing countries. Areas that development economics focuses on include health, education, working conditions, and market conditions. Development economics seeks to understand and shape macro and microeconomics policies in order to lift poor countries out of poverty.
The application of development economics is complex and varied as the cultural, social, and economic frameworks of every nation is different.
Four common theories of development economics include mercantilism, nationalism, the linear stages of growth model, and structural-change theory.
Types of Development Economics,
Mercantilism
Mercantilism is thought to be one of the earliest forms of development economics that created practices to promote the success of a nation. It was a dominant economic theory practiced in Europe from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The theory promoted augmenting state power by lowering exposure to rival national powers.
Like political absolutism and absolute monarchies, mercantilism promoted government regulation by prohibiting colonies from transacting with other nations.
Mercantilism monopolized markets with staple ports and banned gold and silver exports. It believed the higher the supply of gold and silver, the more wealthy it would be. In general, it sought a trade surplus (exports greater than imports), did not allow the use of foreign ships for trade, and it optimized the use of domestic resources.
Economic Nationalism
Economic nationalism reflects policies that focus on domestic control of capital formation, the economy, and labor, using tariffs or other barriers. It restricts the movement of capital, goods, and labor.
Economic nationalists do not generally agree with the benefits of globalization and unlimited free trade. They focus on a policy that is isolationist so that the industries within a nation are able to grow without the threat of competition from established companies in other countries. The economy of the early United States is a prime example of economic nationalism. As a new nation, it sought to develop itself without relying so much on outside influences. It enacted measures, such as high tariffs, so its own industries would grow unimpeded.
Linear Stages of Growth Model
The linear stages of growth model was used to revitalize the European economy after World War II. This model states that economic growth can only stem from industrialization. The model also agrees that local institutions and social attitudes can restrict growth if these factors influence people's savings rate. and investments.
The linear stages of growth model portrays an appropriately designed addition of capital partnered with public intervention. This injection of capital and restrictions from the public sector leads to economic development and industrialization.
Structural-Change Theory
The structural-change theory focuses on changing the overall economic structure of a nation, which aims to shift society from being a primarily agrarian one to a primarily industrial one.
For example, Russia before the communist revolution was an agrarian society. When the communists overthrew the royal family and took power, they rapidly industrialized the nation, allowing it to eventually become a superpower.
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