Prof Simona Iammarino STC S410

This course is available on the MSc in Local Economic Development, MSc in Regional And Urban Planning Studies and MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is not available as an outside option.

This course is aimed at understanding the micro foundations of local economic development, that is the determinants and effects of the behaviour, strategies and choices of key economic actors: local firms, both small and large, multinational enterprises, universities and other education and research organisations, government bodies, NGOs, and local communities. The study of different theoretical approaches, empirical evidence and implications of the behaviour of such actors, and their interactions and linkages, will help building up the analytical framework to interpret the genesis of localised economic systems, their dynamics and evolution over time and the policy options available, particularly, but not exclusively, from a bottom-up perspective. We will make use of an extended array of empirical examples and case studies across regions and industries, both in advanced and emerging economies, and consider the transferability of lessons and insights over space and time. The course is particularly concerned with place-sensitive approaches and locally initiated and managed processes which may involve a wide range of actors in shaping and implementing local economic development initiatives.

There is a 3-day field-trip (not including travel time) to L’Aquila, Italy, associated with this course. For the academic year 2020-21 the field-trip will take place during the Lent Term Reading Week (Week 6). Students should be aware that, as participation is voluntary, they will need to fund themselves. Participation  is encouraged, however it will not be assessed in any way. Students who decide they do not want to participate will not be detrimentally affected on the course. Further information will be provided in Week 1. Estimated costs will be communicated to all offer holders in advance of registration.

In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.

This course is delivered through a combination of workshops and lectures across Michaelmas Term.

This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Michaelmas Term.

Policy Brief outline to be submitted by week 5 and group presentations on case studies in different weeks of MT: written feedback will be provided on all formative coursework in order to help prepare for the assessed Policy Brief.

The course is mainly based on academic articles and papers, all available through @reading list. Some chapters will also be used from books such as: A. Pike, A. Rodriguez-Pose & J. Tomaney, Local and Regional Development, 2006; B-A. Lundvall, KJ Joseph, C. Chaminade & J. Vang (eds.), Handbook of Innovation Systems and Developing Countries, 2009; J Cantwell & E Amann (eds.), Innovative Firms in Emerging Market Countries, 2012; S Iammarino & P McCann Multinationals and Economic Geography. Location, Technology and Innovation, 2013.

In general, all readings are electronically available from the LSE Library unless otherwise indicated.

Policy brief (100%) in the MT.

A 2,500 word Policy Brief is due in the week after the end of MT.