Are local public services better delivered in more autonomous regions? Evidence from European regions using a dose‐response approach

Does regional autonomy lead to better local public services? We investigate this issue using measures of public service performance and autonomy at the region level in 171 European regions. We introduce a novel dose‐response approach which identifies the pattern of the effect of regional autonomy on the performance of public services. The relationship between the level of regional autonomy and the provision of local public services exhibits a u‐shape: both low and high autonomy lead to better local public services. This speaks against the presence of one optimal level of autonomy and policy recommendations based on the view that more decentralisation is always desirable. It shows that different institutional settings can be economically viable and efficient.     

Does skilled migration foster innovative performance? Evidence from British local areas

What is the effect of an increase in the stock of human capital due to skilled immigration on the innovative performance of recipient economies? Combining firm‐level micro‐data with area‐level labour force information, this paper investigates the impact of skilled international migration inflows on firms' product and process innovation in British local labour market areas. The paper supports the evidence in favour of a causal link between immigration and innovation. Results also show that the nature of the innovative process and the typology of innovative activities performed by local firms play a key role in the relation between immigration and innovation.     

Does EU regional policy promote local TFP growth? Evidence from the Italian Mezzogiorno

Total factor productivity (TFP) explains the bulk of the differences in income level across territories. A major policy issue refers to the ability of place-based policy to promote TFP growth in backward areas. We investigate the effect of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) on local TFP growth in Southern Italy between 2007 and 2015. By using different empirical models (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) cross-section, panel fixed-effect regressions and a spatial regression discontinuity design), we show that, on average, local TFP seems to be rather unresponsive to EU programmes. Some suggestive evidence of a positive effect is found for ERDF infrastructure investments and for the areas characterized by higher institutional quality and population density.     

Policy and planning for the urbanized rural areas—The case of Sweden

The rural areas in Sweden are now facing an inevitable situation caused by forces which have become increasingly strong over time. National and international influences have become more dominant in economic, social as well as cultural respects. Rapid expansion of employment and new technology within the information sector are also significant inputs. The traditional role of rural areas as producers of raw materials will be retained, but production will be further automated and demand less employees. In several respects we can identify growing urban characteristics in rural areas, which to a large extent are the outcome of market‐based adjustment processes which have been supported by governmental policy and planning. We shall identify two different visions concerning the future of rural Sweden. Within the Parliamentary Delegation for Development of Sparsely Populated Areas (connected to the Ministry of Industry) a decentralisation strategy has been formulated aiming at consolidating the existing settlement pattern. We conclude, however, that in practice—considering the consequences of all governmental resource transfers—the government is promoting a strategy which focuses on the modernization of rural areas, so they will become increasingly integrated with other parts of the settlement system.     

Are cats and dogs the major source of endotoxin in homes?

Previous studies have suggested that exposure to cats and dogs during early childhood reduces the risk of allergic disease, possibly by increasing home endotoxin exposure. This study asked the question of whether cats and dogs are the dominant influence on dust endotoxin concentrations in homes after considering other variables reportedly associated with endotoxin. The presence of cats or dogs in homes, household and home characteristics, and dust endotoxin concentrations from 5 locations were assessed in 966 urban and suburban homes. Whether considered together as pets or as cats and dogs separately, the presence of cats and dogs significantly contributed to living room and bedroom floor endotoxin concentrations, but not to bed endotoxin concentrations. However, the two variables consistently related to endotoxin in all home sites were the home occupant density (occupants/room) and cleanliness of the home. Our data suggest that reducing occupant density and improving home cleanliness would reduce home endotoxin concentrations more than removing pet cats or dogs from the home.     

Are functional regions more homogeneous than administrative regions? A test using hierarchical linear models

We investigate whether economic functional regions capture spatial clustering of core economic indicators better than administrative regions. For this purpose, we use hierarchical linear models to measure the degree of homogenization of different regional delineations. Our results for Germany show that economic functional regions tend to capture spatial clustering better than administrative ones. However, a considerable amount of clustering at a lower aggregation level cannot be accounted for by economic functional regions, especially around metropolitan centres. Furthermore, economic functional regions, which depict commuting interrelations well, are less able to capture spatial homogenization than other economic functional delineations.     

What determines entry? Evidence from Sweden

In this paper, I examined what conditions affected the entry of Swedish limited liability firms 2000–2008, while making a distinction between regular entrants and those that survive for at least 2 years. I used a dataset that makes it possible to trace entry geographically as well as in what industry it occurs down to the 5-digit NACE level. Results suggest that the conditions influencing regular entry were similar to those influencing surviving entry. Political variables, e.g., municipal tax rate and the ideology of local rule, were of limited importance. Meanwhile, municipalities with industries with high minimum efficient scale of production or high market concentration rates were considerably less likely to see new firm formation. Substantially, more entry occurred in municipalities with high-income and a well-educated population. The importance of the level of education appears stronger for surviving entrants than for regular entrants, pointing to the importance of human capital.     

Can urban sprawl lead to urban people governing rural areas? Evidence from the Dywity Commune,Poland

Currently, new suburban settlements are often being localized in rural areas. As a result of this, rural areas have been taking on various urban functions, especially residential ones. Intense migration has been observed, especially in rural areas neighboring large cities. The urban population has been settling in the most attractive residential localizations, and thus creating new housing developments with a high population density, characterized by urban type of construction. Such a process, both favorable and inevitable, leads to other effects, including changes among the local authorities and thus, local policy. The main purpose of this article was to answer the question of whether new urban functions in rural areas resulting from urban sprawl can lead to urban people governing rural areas? If the answer is positive, what other consequences may this bring? The aim was accomplished through the careful examination of a selected area of Poland. The particular value of this study is that its structure and suggested scenarios of possible effects can help local authorities governing areas neighboring cities create suitable spatial plans that include residential areas.     

Are old regions less attractive? Interregional labour migration in a context of population ageing

Regional demographic change is often conceptualized as a circular process, where out-migration continuously worsens conditions of population ageing and shrinkage. Thus, if migration acts as a consequence as well as cause of ageing, migration patterns should be influenced by the age structure of origin and destination regions. This paper analyses individual-level migration decisions of full-time employees across 326 German regions between 1997 and 2013 using binary choice models. The results show that individuals are more likely to migrate out of and less likely to migrate towards ageing regions. Moreover, the identified patterns are consistent with age-selective migration reinforcing ageing processes and polarization of demographic structure.     

Delineating urbanization “source-sink” regions in China: Evidence from mobile app data

Traditional census data are ill-suited for uncovering the true population patterns and underlying social and economic dynamics in China as the census relies on information of population with registered household status. A large number of migrant workers are registered rural residents but spend most of a year working in cities that are hundreds or even thousands of miles away. It is termed “annual spatial mismatch” here for the separation of registered residence and workplace in China, in contrast to “spatial mismatch” that is known in the urban commuting literature in the west but on a daily basis. Big geo-data, such as the mobile app data, afford us a rare opportunity to examine this unique phenomenon. Specifically, this research uses a mobile app dataset of two epochs, i.e., prior to and during the Chinese Spring Festival, to capture the population patterns before and after the migrant workers return home, respectively. The difference between them reflects distinctive roles of an area plays in labor market, termed “source-sink areas”. A GIS-automated regionalization method is used to delineate China into hierarchical “source-sink” areas, characterizing various urbanization levels or distinctive roles in labor market. The study demonstrates the value of using human mobility data in urban and regional analysis on issues that were previously infeasible, especially in study areas without reliable data.     

Does social capital reduce entrepreneurs' petty corruption? Evidence across Indonesian regions

Petty corruption is a barrier to entrepreneurship in emerging countries, justifying to investigate its determinants. Using data on 1,240 entrepreneurs across Indonesian regions, we analyse the effects of social capital. Two-evel ordered probit regressions show that weak-ties discourage entrepreneurs' bribing, strong-ties encourage it, whereas this latter effect is moderated by the quality of access to formal credit. Bribing banks or turning to relatives for external funding are alternative solutions for entrepreneurs facing poor access to formal credit, a common feature in emerging countries, and the second solution is preferred given the risk and psychological costs of corruption.     

Does a local knowledge base in Industry 3.0 foster diversification in Industry 4.0 technologies? Evidence from European regions

The aim of the paper is to shed light on the role played by regional knowledge bases in Industry 3.0 in fostering new technologies in Industry 4.0 in European regions (NUTS 3) over the period 1991–2015. We find that 4.0 technologies appear to be quite related to 3.0 technologies, with some heterogeneity among different technology fields. The paper investigates the geographical implications. We find that the probability of developing Industry 4.0 technologies is higher in regions that are specialized in Industry 3.0 technologies. However, other types of knowledge bases also sustain regional diversification in Industry 4.0 technologies.     

Does satisfactory neighbourhood environment lead to a satisfying life? An investigation of the association between neighbourhood environment and life satisfaction in Beijing

Associated with the dramatic expansion of Chinese cities are the unprecedented scale and pace of changes to urban living environment. There is an imperative to assess residents' perceptions of neighbourhood environment and the impacts on life satisfaction. Drawing on a large-scale residential satisfaction survey conducted in Beijing in 2013, we examine the fine-grained spatial distribution and determinants of residents' life satisfaction. A multilevel ordinal response model is employed to investigate the roles of neighbourhood satisfaction, perceived relative income, socio-demographic characteristics, and contextual factors in predicting life satisfaction. Results show that satisfaction with key neighbourhood characteristics including safety, physical and social environments, and travel convenience is statistically significantly associated with life satisfaction. Income relative to that of peers in local areas or to that in the past is a more important predictor of life satisfaction than absolute income. Other individual-level variables, such as age, family structure, hukou status, health, commuting time, and housing-related variables including housing tenure and floor space, are significant correlates of life satisfaction.     

Nickel release from inexpensive jewelry and hair clasps purchased in an EU country — Are consumers sufficiently protected from nickel exposure?

Background

Nickel allergic subjects are at risk factor of acquiring hand eczema. In 1990 and 1994, respectively, Denmark and member states in the EU regulated nickel release from selected consumer products. The intention was that the nickel epidemic could be controlled and prevented if the general population was protected from high cutaneous nickel concentrations. Despite a decrease, the prevalence of nickel allergy remains high as nearly 10% of young women are nickel allergic.

Objective

This study aimed to perform dimethylglyoxime (DMG) testing of inexpensive jewelry and hair clasps purchased from random stores in Copenhagen, Denmark to detect the proportion of items that may result in nickel allergy.

Methods

Inexpensive jewelry and hair clasps were purchased from 36 stores and street vendors in Copenhagen and were later tested for nickel release using the DMG test.

Results

The study showed that 19.3% hair clasps, 14.8% earrings, and 12.9% necklaces intended for adult women released an excessive amount of nickel. Of 25 stores visited, 36.0% sold DMG positive jewelry. For items designed for children, excessive nickel release was identified in hair clasps (79.4%) and in finger rings (20%). Four (50.0%) of 8 children clothing stores sold jewelry that released too much nickel.

Discussion

Excessive nickel release has been regulated since 1990 in Denmark. However, 1/5 of purchased items released nickel in concentrations that may lead to nickel allergy. Especially hair clasps intended for children released an excessive amount of nickel.     

What makes a region entrepreneurial? Evidence from Britain

There is a great deal of variation in the levels of entrepreneurship, or rates of self-employment, across the regions of Britain. Over the period 1983–1995, average self-employment in the North, Scotland, and the West Midlands was respectively 25%, 15%, and 15% lower than the national average, whereas in the South West, East Anglia, and Wales it was respectively 28%, 23%, and 21% higher. We develop a theoretical model of regional self-employment, and estimate the roles of labour market conditions, labour force characteristics, industry composition, and region-specific factors such as entrepreneurial human capital. Our results suggest that all of these factors are important, and that regional heterogeneity and regionally correlated disturbances must be accounted for when estimating regional self-employment relationships. Received: November 1998 / Accepted: July 1999     

What makes older adults happier? Urban and rural differences in the living arrangements and life satisfaction of older adults

Given the dynamically diverse outcomes of biological, behavioral, and environmental factors, the heterogeneity of the subjective well-being of older adults must be considered in the context of aged societies. This study conducted a joint analysis of older adults’ subjective indicators of satisfaction with living arrangements (SLA) and life satisfaction (LS). The bivariate generalized ordered probit model was employed to study 2045 urban and rural older adults. The findings show that family relationships and depression were critical sources of heterogeneity for SLA and LS when controlled for an older adults’ area of residence (urban or rural). Better family relationships and lack of depression were significant in prompting positive attitudes toward SLA and LS in older adults. In particular, there was significant heterogeneity among urban older adults who self-reported health effects on their cognitive perception of LS, but rural older adults did not show this effect. Simultaneously, urban seniors cared more about their spouses’ health and its effect on their SLA and LS. Moreover, being a widow/widower significantly affected the SLA of rural seniors. This study marks a breakthrough regarding sample heterogeneity in bivariate ordered probit models. It demonstrates that urban and rural older adults have different satisfaction levels, even in the homogeneous areas of residence. The findings of this study reveal subjective cognitive discrepancies between urban and rural older adults’ SLA and LS, thereby highlighting that the heterogeneous outcomes experienced by older adults through environmental interactions should be of greater concern in an aged society.

     

Do urban casinos affect nearby neighbourhoods? Evidence from Canada

We analyse the effect of new casinos on nearby neighbourhoods using data from casinos opened in Canada between 1986?2007. We find no evidence linking casino openings to nearby population growth or changes in residents' income, composition by age, gender, marital status, and home ownership status. We find evidence of negative casino effects on the growth of housing values and rent. The effect is substantial near casinos, a nearly 8 percentage‐point loss in the growth of home values over 5 years, but has limited influence and dissipates quickly over distance. The estimated effect on housing rents is comparable in terms of standard deviation.     

What sustains larger firms? Evidence from Chinese manufacturing industries

This study investigates what sustains large firms in China and identifies the determinants of firm sustaining. With the understanding of the triple process of economic transition, this study explores the influence of global–local interaction and regional factors on business sustaining. Based on the Annual Survey of Industrial Firms in China during 1998–2005, this paper employs the Cox proportional hazard model to confirm that global, provincial and local forces are critical for the sustaining of large firms. Particularly, the presence of foreign firms shows strong competition effect at the prefecture city level but no spillover effect at the provincial level. Provincial market-oriented institutions and market potential however are crucial to sustain businesses in China. Non-state-owned enterprises such as private and foreign firms are more dependent on market-oriented institutions than state own enterprises. Firms which are able to reap from agglomeration economies and local governmental supports are more likely to sustain. In addition, local factors show different impacts on business sustaining in different regions. The findings indicate that both market and state can play a substantial role in sustaining businesses in transitional economies.     

New trajectories in urban regeneration processes: Cultural capital as source of human and social capital accumulation – Evidence from the case of Tohu in Montreal

Throughout the late 20th and early 21st Centuries, culture has gained increasing importance in strategies designed to deal with new trajectories of urban areas. Post-industrial cities seek to revive former industrial, contaminated and waterfront sites and their city centers, as they are aiming to establish themselves in the new arena of the global market place.     

Are riskier cities more compact? An empirical study of the 11 largest census metropolitan areas in Canada, 2016

Why are some cities more compact than others? We argue that riskier housing markets have a costlier real option; developers would require greater compensation to build now—thus, developers are being incentivized to delay, giving rise to more compact cities. We test this hypothesis cross-sectionally for Canada's 11 largest census metropolitan areas. We interpret satellite imageries and estimate a hierarchical spatial autoregressive model to account for both the hierarchical and the spatial structure of our data. Our results show that, on average, a one-percentage-point increase in price risk reduces urban land coverage in the fringe by about 0.7 percentage point.