Frank Stilwell

Regional Growth and Structural Adaptation

The relationship between regional growth differentials and regional differences in industrial composition is frequently analysed in terms of a standardisation technique known as shift and share analysis. Such an approach is subject to a number of limitations, including its inability to identify the impact on regional growth of changes in industrial composition during the time period under consideration. A modification to this technique is presented here which facilitates the isolation of such effects. The application of this modified technique to Standard Regions of the U.K. demonstrates that regional policy in the sixties seems to have had at least some effect in securing a more favourable industrial mix in the less prosperous regions.

Further thoughts on the shift and share approach

Stilwell F. J. B. (1970) Further thoughts on the shift and share approach, Reg. Studies 4, 451–458. This article is a general appraisal of the contribution of the shift and share analysis to the study of regional growth. The technique itself is shown to have little relevance to the theory of regional growth. However, the organization of information achieved by the shift and share method is useful in the analysis of historical data on either population or employment, and also in forecasting the future regional distribution of economic activity. Many conceptual and empirical limitations are considered, but more ambitious use of the technique in forecasting is advocated because of its ability to handle large amounts of information when used in conjunction with regression analysis.

Towards sustainable cities

Abstract Sustainability has interconnected economic, social and ecological aspects. Spatial restructuring could make a significant contribution. Key public policies include transport, land‐use planning, housing, infrastructure, and the redistribution of work and incomes. Australia has the opportunity to be an international exemplar in addressing the challenge of sustainability. Existing economic structures, spatial inertia and the lack of political will are significant obstacles.

Structural Change and Spatial Equity in Sydney

Abstract Sydney has been experiencing rapid structural economic change in the 1980s. This has influenced conditions in the labour market and the housing market, resulting in significant redistribution of income. One clearly observable dimension of these changes is growing spatial inequality between the component local government areas. Analysis of the 1981 and 1986 Census data illustrates these trends. It is argued that, because spatial inequity is largely a manifestation of national economic forces, its redress requires a reversal of macroeconomic policies.

Refugees in a Region: Afghans in Young, NSW

This article examines how Afghan refugees living in the NSW country town of Young between 2001 and 2003 affected the regional economy. It seeks to assess the economic contribution of the Afghan refugees, primarily through their work at the Burrangong meatworks, through their local expenditures and, more indirectly, through their impact on social capital and the dynamism of the regional economy. It also reflects, more broadly, on the social implications of this experience and some lessons about refugee policies and their relationship to regional development.

Economic Stimulus and Restructuring: Infrastructure, Green Jobs and Spatial Impacts

The social goals of reducing unemployment and enabling ecologically sustainable development are more likely to be achieved if the spatial dimensions of economic policy are made explicit. Looking from this perspective, this article considers recent policy initiatives undertaken by the federal Labor government in response to the global financial crisis. Investment in infrastructure is assessed by comparing where government expenditure is being targeted with the regional distribution of unemployment. The expansion of ‘green’ jobs is considered in relation to the prospects of marrying concerns of growth, equity and sustainability with proactive urban and regional policies.

Competing Analyses of the Spatial Aspects of Capitalist Development

An adequate understanding of the process of urban and regional development under capitalism has been impeded by the orthodox analysis. This paper outlines a more appropriate framework for the study of spatial aspects of the capitalist system, using concepts from Marxian analysis. Particular emphasis is placed on the role played by urban and regional development in establishing the necessary conditions for continued capital accumulation, viz. expansion of markets, generation of a reserve army of unemployed, provision of requisite amounts of the means of production, and reproduction of the social relations of production. In this way a link is forged between the theory of location and the theory of accumulation, which helps to provide insights into reasons for the un even process of capitalist development.

Teaching Political Economy: Making a Difference?

Frank Stilwell’s article “Teaching Political Economy: Making a Difference?” reflects upon the different challenges and outcomes of teaching political economy. Economics as a discipline is important and has a real impact on citizen awareness of economic issues and on political policy: many undergrad and graduate students go on to hold important positions in state administrations. The author notes the tendency in the economics curriculum taught in most universities to provide legitimacy to many actual initiatives and policies that applied orthodox economic theories, even in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. He then considers the difficulties in elaborating and practising alternatives in the classroom and how much depends on the students involved in the transfer and advancement of knowledge within economics. The article goes on to make a case for a pluralist pedagogy that can contribute not only to their careers, but to making a difference in economic and social progress.

The Struggle for Political Economy at the University of Sydney

There has been a long struggle to establish political economy courses at the University of Sydney. It began more than three decades ago as a student-staff movement challenging the dominance of neoclassical economics in the undergraduate curriculum. It has matured into an established program of undergraduate and postgraduate studies, based on Marxian, institutionalist post-Keynesian, feminist, and environmentalist analyses. During the struggle, key concerns have included the nature of economics as a discipline, progressive pedagogy, and challenges to university power structures.

Land, inequality and regional policy

The analysis of urban and regional economic development requires attention to the role of land as a source of economic surplus, a focal point for speculation and a vehicle for redistribution of income and wealth. Uniform land taxation could be a potent source of revenue for financing infrastructure and coping with persistent fiscal problems, especially if combined with regional government. This paper considers the rationale for, and problems associated with, capturing the economic surplus arising from land ownership and using it for the promotion of more balanced urban and regional development.