Maria Irene
“The Rise and Fall of Urban Economies: Lessons from San Francisco and Los Angeles” by Michael Storper, Thomas Kemeny, Naji P. Makarem, and Taner Osman is an insightful exploration of the economic growth and decline of two major American cities. The book provides a detailed analysis of the economic history of San Francisco and Los Angeles, drawing on extensive research and data to uncover the factors that contributed to their success and failures.
In this highly informative and thought-provoking book, the authors argue that San Francisco and Los Angeles are prime examples of the “new economic geography,” which emphasizes the importance of regional economies, clusters of firms, and knowledge-based industries in driving economic growth. The authors examine the factors that led to the rise and fall of these two cities, such as changes in the global economy, technological innovation, and demographic shifts.
The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the economic history of these two cities, which have been at the forefront of economic growth in the United States. It provides a detailed account of the economic development of San Francisco and Los Angeles, starting from the mid-twentieth century to the present day. The authors describe how these two cities grew and prospered, and how they responded to the challenges of globalization and technological change.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its exploration of the factors that contribute to urban decline. The authors argue that urban decline is not simply a result of “natural” economic forces but is often driven by policy decisions and institutional factors. They demonstrate how San Francisco and Los Angeles faced similar economic challenges but responded to them in different ways, with different outcomes.
The authors also argue that the success of these two cities can be attributed to a combination of factors, including their unique geographical location, their diverse populations, and their entrepreneurial spirit. They highlight the importance of regional economies, clusters of firms, and knowledge-based industries in driving economic growth and suggest that policymakers should focus on these factors to promote economic growth in other regions.
Overall, “The Rise and Fall of Urban Economies” is a must-read for anyone interested in urban development, economic geography, and regional economic policy. The authors provide a valuable perspective on the economic history of San Francisco and Los Angeles, and their insights can be applied to other regions facing similar economic challenges.
The book is divided into six chapters, with each chapter focusing on a different aspect of the economic history of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Chapter one provides an overview of the book, outlining the key themes and arguments. Chapter two focuses on the economic history of San Francisco, describing how it grew and prospered in the mid-twentieth century. Chapter three examines the economic history of Los Angeles, focusing on its growth and development in the post-World War II era.
Chapter four explores the challenges faced by San Francisco and Los Angeles in the face of globalization and technological change. The authors describe how these two cities responded to these challenges, and the outcomes of their responses. Chapter five focuses on the institutional factors that contributed to the success and failure of these two cities. The authors describe how policy decisions and institutional factors played a crucial role in shaping the economic history of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Finally, chapter six concludes the book, summarizing the key themes and arguments and suggesting policy implications for other regions.
“The Rise and Fall of Urban Economies” is a fascinating exploration of the economic history of two major American cities. The authors provide a valuable perspective on the factors that contribute to urban decline and suggest ways to promote economic growth in other regions. The book is highly informative and thought-provoking and
