Lambert van der Laan

Structural Determinants of Spatial Labour Markets: A Case Study of The Netherlands

VAN DER LAAN L. (1992) Structural determinants of spatial labour markets: a case study of the Netherlands, Reg. Studies 26, 485–498. This research analyses the causal structure of the regional differentiation of labour markets in The Netherlands in the period 1975–85. A heterodox model is constructed with the help of various (economic) labour market theories. Based on a latent variable partial least squares model, the analysis shows the relatively minor effect of regulation variables on the labour market and the importance of both the socio-economic environment and the production process. It also shows the strong integration of demand, supply and commuting. Total incoming and outgoing migration, though, showed up to be unimportant for the regional differentiation of labour markets. The research points to a continuing regional disequilibrium of demand and supply. In relation to government policies, this is based on the decreasing mobility of capital to the lagging regions, an increase of the importance of ...

Transaction Costs and Reputation-Based Trust in Biotech Alliances

Reputation-based trust, reflecting the time-dependency of trust, influences inter-firm alliances. A literature review resulted in hypotheses which were tested in an empirical study based on a quantitative analysis and in-depth interviews with firms in the bio tech sector of human health in the Netherlands. In high dynamic markets firms use reputation-based trust as an informal coordination mechanism for alliances. However, it does not reduce the necessity of contracts. Reputation results in a decline of overall transaction costs of alliances. Reputation-based trust reduces the uncertainty between alliance partners and the frequency of interaction. It does not result in an increase of asset specific investments.