Theory and Empirics of Urban Growth and Spatial Structure

This project consists of both empirical and theoretical analyses. In empirical analysis using Japanese data, we focus on the location of entrepreneurs as the driving force of economic development. Additionally, we try to clarify the relationships among economic growth, urbanization, and industrialization. In theoretical analysis, we investigate the evolutionary process of city systems based on spatial interactions among cities. By deriving the market equilibrium and social optimum distributions of economic activities, we propose socially desirable urban policies. We approach the urban economy from the perspective of globalization in both analyses because economic growth is not confined to a particular region.

July 13, 2011 - June 30, 2013