Tools for Spatial Economic Planning

This book seeks to remedy the divisions between spatial and economic policy, first through a review of development theory, grounding it within the realities of the urbanizing world, and then through an overview of and practical guidance on two different sets of tools.

Urbanization is a transformative force reshaping the economies and societies of developing countries today. It has the potential to bring about powerful development dividends, but the rapid expansion of cities in countries where resources are limited is a pressing policy challenge. Guiding the evolving spatial and economic structure, and getting policy right is an urgent and high-stakes task.

This book bridges spatial and economic planning, offering practical tools for both analysis and policymaking. It explores seven national and subnational policy instruments - such as National Development Plans, city master plans, and special economic zones - detailing their purpose, formulation, key components, and effectiveness. Additionally, it provides hands-on guidance on a wide variety of analytical tools, such as mapped overlays, location quotients, input-output analysis, multipliers, metrics of inequality and segregation, gravity models, and scenario planning. These tools can help identify spatial trends, assess linkages, and inform policy decisions.

With 26 case studies demonstrating real-world applications, this book serves as a resource for policymakers, development practitioners, and academics seeking to learn, develop the field of knowledge, and shape more effective spatial-economic policies.

Autorentext

Gulelat Kebede is an urban expert with over 30 years of international development experience and a lecturer at The New School University, New York, United States.

Paterson Gauntner is an urban economist with project experience in 15+ countries and expertise in urban planning, economic development, and local public finance.

Inhalt

1. Introduction. 2. Spatial-economic theory: An overview with a historical perspective. SECTION I: ANALYSIS TOOLS. 3. Spatial disaggregation, visualization, mapping, and overlays. 4. Industry location: Location quotients, shift-share analysis, and growth-share matrices. 5. Economic linkages: Value-chain mapping, input-output tables, and multipliers. 6. Metrics of spatial inequality and segregation. 7. System of cities: City-size distribution and gravity models. 8. Scenario planning. SECTION II: POLICY TOOLS. 9.Subnational policy tools. 10. National policy tools.