Research on Regional Economic Issues in China

Author: Chen Xiushan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-03-01
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 cultivation of high-level talents is a heavy task, 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 postgraduate 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 (formerly the Institute of Regional Economic Development Strategy) at Renmin University of China is the first regional economic teaching and research institution established in the country and one of the two earliest doctoral programs in regional economics. 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 striving to stay at the forefront of discipline development. Through long-term academic exchanges and cooperation, we have received much support and assistance from sister institutions and research organizations, garnered significant attention from peers, and hope to contribute to the construction of postgraduate-level textbooks. These are all important driving forces behind our decision to compile this series of textbooks. Textbook construction is the "foundation project" of discipline development. Only by laying a solid foundation can we ensure the sustainable development of the discipline. This series of textbooks was initiated by me and has received unanimous support from all faculty members of the institute. To compile the textbooks, we conducted multiple closed-door seminars. The outline of 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 backbones of our institute, with extensive teaching experience and remarkable research achievements. All of them hold doctorates, and most have studied or conducted research at renowned universities abroad. This dedicated team provides important assurance for compiling this series of textbooks. My writing of the preface does not imply that my academic level is higher than theirs, but simply because, as the director, I am responsible for organizing and coordinating the work. The entire series consists of six books: 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 are also the main professional courses offered by our institute for master's students. In addition, courses such as Urban Economics and Urban Planning are also 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 postgraduate textbooks for regional economics is a new attempt. We have referred to existing research achievements 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 hope for the criticism and corrections of our peers. Here, we would like to thank Commercial Press, one of China's most prestigious publishing institutions, for their strong support and great assistance in the publication of this series of textbooks.