The Global Urban Futures Project is glad to invite you to the Urban Economics Seminar series Fall 2015, November 5, 2:00 - 3:30pm, Room 713, 72 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011
This presentation is based on previous studies made by professor Duranton on the the effects of urbanization on development and growth. His research on this topic has considered a labor market perspective and emphasizes the importance of agglomeration economies, both static and dynamic. The more productive jobs in cities do not exist in a void and it is important to take into account job and firm dynamics. In turn, these dynamics are shaped by the broader characteristics of urban systems. A general approach to some of the conclusions of his research will be presented, highlighting that agglomeration effects are quantitatively important and pervasive; the productive advantage of large cities is constantly eroded and must be sustained by new job creation and innovation; and finally this process of creative destruction in cities, which is fundamental for aggregate growth, is determined in part by the characteristics of urban systems and broader institutional features. Important differences between developing countries and more advanced economies will be highlighted. A major challenge for developing countries is to reinforce the role of their urban systems as drivers of economic growth. Cities and development, local labor markets, jobs and firm dynamics, and urban systems, will be some of the issues discussed in this presentation.
Gilles Duranton is professor of real estate and holds the Dean’s Chair in Real Estate and is currently the chair of the Wharton Real Estate Department. He joined Wharton in 2012 after holding academic positions at the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics. A graduate from HEC Paris and Sorbonne University, he obtained his PhD in economics jointly from the London School of Economics and the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Science Sociales in Paris. His research focuses on urban and transportation issues. His empirical work is concerned with urban growth and the estimation of the costs and benefits of cities and clusters. He is also interested in the effects of transportation infrastructure on urban development and the evaluation of local policies. He also conducts theoretical research to gain insight about the distribution of city sizes, the skill composition, and sectoral patterns of activities in cities.
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