
Real Estate Papers
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of this Version
2015
Publication Source
World Bank Research Observer
Volume
30
Issue
1
Start Page
39
Last Page
73
DOI
10.1093/wbro/lku006
Abstract
This paper examines the effects of urbanization on development and growth. It begins with a labor market perspective and emphasizes the importance of agglomeration economies, both static and dynamic. It then argues that more productive jobs in cities do not exist in a void and underscores the importance of job and firm dynamics. In turn, these dynamics are shaped by the broader characteristics of urban systems. A number of conclusions are drawn. First, agglomeration effects are quantitatively important and pervasive. Second, the productive advantage of large cities is constantly eroded and must be sustained by new job creation and innovation. Third, 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. We highlight important differences between developing countries and more advanced economies. A major challenge for developing countries is to reinforce the role of their urban systems as drivers of economic growth.
Copyright/Permission Statement
This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in World Bank Research Observer following peer review. The version of record is available online at: http://wbro.oxfordjournals.org/content/30/1/39.abstract.
Keywords
cities and development, local labor markets, jobs and firm dynamics, urban systems
Recommended Citation
Duranton, G. (2015). Growing Through Cities in Developing Countries. World Bank Research Observer, 30 (1), 39-73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/wbro/lku006
Date Posted: 27 November 2017
This document has been peer reviewed.