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This paper explores the challenges and opportunities faced by small and remote regions in the context of governance and economic development. It highlights the importance of geographical proximity, the impact of urbanization on peripheral areas, and the unique characteristics of insular regions. Key strategies discussed include promoting local resources, fostering talent retention, and enhancing trade relations while addressing issues like market access and human capital drain. The findings serve as a guide for how these regions can thrive without becoming ghost towns by leveraging their unique attributes.
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Lessons in Governance & Economic Development from Small & Remote RegionsCRRF- Tweed- Oct 2004 Godfrey Baldacchino Canada Research Chair (Island Studies) University of Prince Edward Island gbaldacchino@upei.ca
Big Citiesgrowing bigger… The Periphery in the Knowledge Economy (Polese & Shearmur) 2002) INRS, 2002)
Observations • Concentration: population, employment, economic capacity, knowledge capacity • ‘Geography as Proximity’ Matters • Peripherality = being too far away from large cities?
St John’s 173,000 x x x x Moncton 118,000 x 3x x x x Halifax 363,000 x x x x 6x
The Insular Edge (NAIP) – Looks Familiar? • Diseconomies of Scale, worse with isolation • Dependence on narrow range of ‘goods’ • Distance to markets – High Transport costs • Value of Imports higher than Exports • Narrow range of Local Skills • Human & Fiscal Capital Drain • Exposure to Hazards & Market Changes • Absence of Specific Data • Scenario: Pleasure Periphery? Washroom?
Lessons from the Periphery – how not to become a ghost town • People: Luring Talent Here/ Home • Resources: Promoting ‘good’ environment • Overseas: Tapping Diaspora & Tourism • Finance – Low / No Tax Regime • Trans-Local Relations – Para-Diplomacy • Transportation - (Control over Air/Sea) • Jurisdiction as Economic Resource
Integrating Economies, Splitting Polities, Exploding Governance Ex-Colonies, Indigenous People, Cities, Communities, Regions, Minorities… • seek autonomy in governance. • value environmental resources. • search for the power of being small. • crave specific status – by design, by convention - with larger players.
Small & Remote Places can be… • A Safe Place to Work from/Raise Families • A Safe Partner for Business • Well Supported by Relational Networks • Staffed by Good, Loyal Employees • Communal ‘Cooperative Competition’ • An Attractive Magnet for ‘Outsiders’ • Competitive, Quiet yet Linked