Urbanisation and Economic Development: Private Sector Linkages. Topic Guide

An overview of the main debates on urbanisation and economic development and private sector linkages

From:
Department for International Development
Published
1 January 2016
Document Type:
Thematic Summary
Theme:
Economic Growth, Infrastructure
Authors:
Khan, A., Darko, E., Williams, C., Granoff, I.

Abstract

This guide gives an overview of debates and critical issues with a view to answering 2 main questions:

  1. What is the role of the private sector in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development against the backdrop of rapid urbanisation?
  2. What does that mean in practice for policy-makers?

The guide identifies 5 findings about the relationship between urbanisation and economic development that provide critical context for understanding the role of the private sector:

  • Countries urbanise as they develop.
  • Urbanisation is strongly correlated with but does not cause economic growth.
  • Urban concentration has growth enhancing benefits.
  • The correlation between the rate (and not the level) of urbanisation and GDP level is hard to determine.
  • Regional trends impact the relation between urbanisation and economic development.

Citation

Khan, A.; Williams, C.; Darko, E.; Granoff, I. Urbanisation and Economic Development: Private Sector Linkages. Topic Guide. EPS PEAKS, UK (2016) 48 pp.

Urbanisation and Economic Development: Private Sector Linkages. Topic Guide

Published 1 January 2016
Contents