Emerging Nodes in the Global Economy

Cities form one of the principal arenas in which globalization processes are manifest. Much of the interest in the urban outcomes of globalization is focused on a limited number of iconic 'global' or 'world' cities. Most places however will never attain that status. They are more likely to play limited and specialized roles in a world economy increasingly dominated by flows. Emerging Nodes in a Global Network looks at the temporal and volatile ways in which two such cities, Frankfurt and Tel Aviv, engage the global economy. The central thesis of the book contends that the current round of globalization is characterized by places selectively functioning as nodes within global networks. Drawing on a combination of qualitative and quantitative empirical studies of leading sectors in Frankfurt and Tel Aviv (financial and business services, high technology, air transportation, tourism and cultural industries), the process of network formation is systematically analyzed andthe role of national and regional policy is highlighted.
Audience: This book will be of major interest to academics, researchers, practitioners and policy makers in the areas of urban and economic geography, public policy and economic development. It also provides valuable material for government officials and regional and national agencies involved in metropolitan planning and development.

From the reviews:

"This book grew out of a three year collaborative research effort ... . The researchers explored the relatively new phenomenon of globalization ... . It is a worthwhile book to read and since it is composed of independent chapters, written by different authors, it can also be read selectively. ... it provides a nice methodological framework for future investigation of other case studies in which cities in different parts of the world emerge as nodes in the global economy." (Daniel Shefer, The Annals of Regional Science, Vol. 39 (2), 2005)