Geographia Polonica (2013) vol. 86, iss. 2

Abstract

Globalization has a pervasive influence over regional development in rural Europe, presenting both opportunities and challenges. This paper draws on research conducted in the DERREG project to examine how globalization impacts on rural regions, and importantly, how rural regions across Europe are proactively engaging with globalization processesand their impacts, exploiting new opportunities and responding to challenges. The paper identifies the significance of regional policy in shaping and supporting regional development responses, but argues that policy contributions can becompromised by misconceptions around the definition of rural regions and their functional ties to urban centres, and calls for a more relational understanding of regions to enhance policy interventions.

Keywords: rural development, regional development, globalization, regional policy, Europe, territorial cohesion, DERREG project

Michael Woods [m.woods@aber.ac.uk], Aberystwyth University Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences Penglais, SY23 3DB, Aberystwyth: United Kingdom

Abstract

This study examined the current industrial structure of traditional tie-dyeing in Kyoto, as well as the results of the revitalization project known as “the Kyoto Premium program” in relation to the challenges faced by Japanese firms when it comes to opening up overseas markets. Kyoto traditional craft industries depend on China for some of their production processes and it is very important for manufacturers to be in possession of a business strategy that anticipates the building of company brands and the generation of new products. The author shows that the project referred to above provides for both an expansion into overseas markets and the promotion of brand values on the market for traditional crafts.

Keywords: traditional craft industry, tie-dyeing, industrial structure, overseas markets, Kyoto premium program, Kyoto, Japan

Shunichiro Yamamoto, Department of Economy Osaka University of Economics Osumi2-2-8, Higashiyodogawa-ku, 533-8533 Osaka: Japan

Abstract

Data available from international shipping consultants becomes less reliable in the 60,000–15,000 dwt range and thisis where specialized regional consultancies step in. A rational approach to dealing with the problem is sought in threeways. First, the increase in cumulative worldwide vessel count is compared with the corresponding cargo value as smallersize classes are added. At 25,000 dwt the vessel count equals the cargo value, suggesting a cut-off point. Second, cargovalues by port are scaled with corresponding port visits (score) and then segments are merged stepwise from the largestto the smallest. Now the expected inflection point fails to emerge. Third, the above score is mapped in a roster of 30 regions. A contrast emerges between large vessel – long distance and small vessel – short distance zones, which explainsthe existence of regional consultancies.

Keywords: cargo value, port visit, regional differentiation, size class, value gap, ship movement

Risto Laulajainen, Gothenburg Business and Law School PO Box 630, SE-405 30 Gothenburg: Sweden

Abstract

Urban space, especially that of large cities, is not homogeneous, but consists rather of particular elements characterizedby clarity, expressiveness and distinction, which generate both positive and negative emotions among citizens. A goodbasis by which to evaluate a city is therefore provided, and it has been the aim of the work described in this article toidentify and interpret places that are characterized by different qualities, i.e. places of significance where individual social experiences of the Polish city of Łódź are concerned. Specifically, the aim in question has been fulfilled through the useof the photo projective method, which makes possible the creation of a subjective image of a city by reference to photographstaken by those experiencing urban space.

Keywords: photo projective method, shared image, sense of place, evaluation, city, Łódź

Paulina Tobiasz-Lis, University of Łódź Faculty of Geographical Sciences Department of Regional and Human Geography Kopcińskiego 31 92-143 Łódź
Marcin Wójcik [marcin.wojcik@geo.uni.lodz.pl], University of Łódź Faculty of Geographical Sciences Department of Regional and Human Geography Kopcińskiego 31 92-143 Łódź

Abstract

In this article questions are posed concerning the spatial structure of the Warsaw region and its development trends. These are presented against recent conceptual approaches to the study of metropolitan regions. Alternative hypothesesare discussed related to continuing spatial polarization, the emergence of polycentric urban patterns, as well as growing functional interdependence between the urban and the predominantly rural areas within the region. This is placed inthe context of public policy objectives concerning both territorial cohesion and socio-economic growth; the latter hidden under the region’s competitiveness label. Empirical findings from a comparative analysis of the location behavior of selected firms in the advanced services sector are referred to in the discussion. It is argued that in projecting the region’s development path into the future, the concept of the urban-rural region is of particular relevance. Such an approach may also be adopted for use in developing spatial policy.

Keywords: metropolitan region, urban-rural region, the Warsaw region, advanced service sector, territorial cohesion

Ewa Korcelli-Olejniczak [eko@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Przemysław Śleszyński [psleszyn@twarda.pan.pl], Instytut Geografii i Przestrzennego Zagospodarowania PAN

Małgorzata Bandzo-Antkowiak [samoa@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Valentin Mihaylov, Department of Geography Bulgarian Academy of Sciences