Globalization and Urban Economic Change

In: The annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Band 551, S. 17-27

Abstract

Analyzes the impact of globalization on urban economies & policies in the context of fading borders & foreign direct investment. The evolution of multinational corporations is linked to changing international economic conditions, with finance playing a critical role. Globalization is argued to increase the importance of place & force cities to reorganize themselves as links in a global product chain. Only those few cities that embrace technology & become flexible centers of authority are seen as truly global; examples of successful cities are cited. Consequences to local development & infrastructure are assessed, with "edge cities" an important component. Decentralization of back-office functions (eg, record keeping & analytical tasks) is seen as significant. It is concluded that changes in urban labor markets, infrastructure, & demographics brought on by the global economy will continue to alter urban social structures, culture, politics, & socioeconomic character. 1 Table. Adapted from the source document.