Regional economic theory

Author: Chen Xiushan / Zhang Keyun
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-12-01
Features: Regional economics is currently one of the fastest-growing new applied economic disciplines in China's economics field. Due to the huge social demand, the task of cultivating high-level talents is substantial, and the teaching and research teams are expanding day by day. However, as a relatively young branch of applied economics, regional economics is still immature in many aspects. One prominent manifestation is that, to date, there has been no complete series of graduate-level textbooks for regional economics. Based on this situation, we embarked on writing and publishing this series of textbooks. The Institute of Regional Economics and Urban Management at Renmin University of China (formerly the Institute of Regional Economic Development Strategy) is the first regional economic teaching and research institution established in China and one of the two earliest doctoral programs in regional economics nationwide. In 2002, it was recognized as a national key discipline. For a long time, we have strived to maintain a rigorous and innovative academic atmosphere, always aiming to stay at the forefront of discipline development. Through extensive academic exchanges and cooperation, we have received significant support and assistance from sister institutions and research organizations, garnered attention from peers, and hope to contribute to graduate-level textbook development. These are all important motivations for us to compile this series of textbooks. Textbook development is the "foundation project" of discipline construction, and only by laying a solid foundation can we ensure the sustainable development of the discipline. This series of textbooks was initiated by me and met with unanimous response from all faculty members in the institute. To compile the textbooks, we conducted multiple closed-door seminars. The outline for each textbook was first drafted by the responsible person, then discussed collectively, and revised and supplemented before being finalized. The faculty members participating in the compilation are the mid-career academic backbone of our institute, with extensive teaching experience and significant research achievements. All of them hold doctorates, and most have studied or conducted research at renowned universities abroad. This dedicated team provides crucial support for compiling this series of textbooks. My role in writing the preface does not imply that my academic level is higher than theirs, but rather that, as the director, I am responsible for organizing and coordinating the work. The entire series consists of six volumes: Regional Economic Theory, Regional Economic Analysis Methods, Regional Economic Policy, Regional Economic Planning, Regional Financing and Investment Environment Evaluation, and Research on Regional Economic Issues in China. These topics are also the main professional courses offered by our institute for master's students. Additionally, courses such as Urban Economics and Urban Planning are included in the professional curriculum, as we plan to compile a series of textbooks on urban economics and management in the future. Compiling a series of graduate-level textbooks for regional economics is a new attempt. We have referenced existing research findings at home and abroad and made new explorations and innovations in content and structure. Due to limited capabilities and tight deadlines, there may inevitably be shortcomings and flaws, and we sincerely hope for criticism and corrections from our peers. Here, we would like to express our gratitude to Commercial Press, one of China's most prestigious publishing institutions, for their strong support and invaluable assistance in the publication of this series of textbooks.