Financial Risk, Innovation and Alternative Pathways to Decarbonising the Energy System in 2050

There is a lot of forward looking work attempting to envisage the decarbonised energy system of the future as reflected with current interest in 'smart grids'. A central tenet behind most visions of the 'smart grids' of the future are the price signals that financial and commodity markets will deliver to facilitate effective and efficient resource allocation. Most of these visions take stylised and static views of financial and commodity markets despite the fact that these markets are experiencing dramatic change due to innovation and regulation. Accordingly, the paper maps the risks associated in the fusion of financial innovation with innovation in the energy system through a theoretical framework that draws on evolutionary models of paradigm shift. Risks to both the financial and energy systems are characterised as either emanating from primary or secondary markets and these are explored in terms of alternative visions of the energy system in the long run

The Changing Structure of Arkansas\u27 Economy: A Shift-Share Analysis

The state of Arkansas enjoys the advantages of its unique central location in the nation, excellent natural surroundings, low cost of living, and one of the best business climates in the southern United States. It is home to several of the largest corporations in the world. Over the period 1980-2000, there was tremendous growth in the state’s economy. However, the growth was confined to specific regions that led to several socio-economic issues adversely affecting the state. To better understand the components and variations in economic growth, a county-wise shift-share analysis was conducted. Employment, a good indicator of economic growth, was used to analyze the changes in the local economic structure of the 75 counties in the state. Findings suggest that while services and retail trade continue to grow, manufacturing and the state/local government continue to be important employers for the state. Farm employment continues to decline, although farm-related manufacturing and services are becoming more important. This report provides a sectoral analysis of employment changes within the counties and is a potential point of reference for both government and industry engaged in community-level policy making and investment

Is Attracting Retirees a Sustainable Rural Economic Development Policy?

An economic impact analysis was conducted in two rural counties in Northwest Arkansas to observe effects of hypothetical retiree in-migration as a sustainable economic development policy. The analysis reveals economic benefits with varying impacts and additional socio-economic costs on both counties. The policy has the potential for sustaining in the long-term.Community/Rural/Urban Development,

Distributional Impacts of Agritourism in the Arkansas Delta Byways region

Replaced with revised version of paper 06/16/09.ARIMA, Agritourism Demand, Economic Impact Analysis, Rural Economic Development, Agribusiness, Community/Rural/Urban Development, R15, R58,

Spatial Variability of Tourism Demand and Differences in Economic Impact in a Rural Economic Development Context

Statistically predicted future tourism demand is used to conduct an economic impact analysis in twelve tourism zones in the state of Arkansas. The analysis reveals spatial variability in employment, and output growth that will continue into the future. Tourism has the potential as an economic growth engine for the state, especially in economically disadvantaged regions with long-term benefits.Tourism Demand, Economic Impact Analysis, Rural Development, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, R15, R58,

TAX INCENTIVES: AN EFFECTIVE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES?

As national and local economies become more globalized, many rural areas are going to find it more difficult to compete for private capital investments. A traditional tool, modifications to tax policy, of state and local governments will not be as effective (for many communities it has never been effective) in the future. These communities will need to seek other avenues of growth. However, for many rural communities even alternative avenues will not lead to enhanced economic opportunity.agglomeration, rural development, tax policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, R51, R58, O21, O23, R11, R38,

ECONOMIC GROWTH WITH LIMITED AGGLOMERATION ECONOMIES

This study examined how various inputs including employment agglomeration in different industries affected economic growth of Arkansas during 1986-1999. Analysis showed locations that are able to successfully substitute infrastructure, human capital, and amenities, are more likely to see increased incomes.employment agglomeration, input potentials, input utilization, personal income, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Labor and Human Capital,

Communications Training Needs in Arkansas\u27 Agritourism Industry

Agritourism has emerged globally as a tool to diversify farm income, and the need for non-formal educational programming in this area has become obvious. In Arkansas, Cooperative Extension educators have lacked empirical data to guide program development. One clear need, according to literature, is for operators to improve marketing communications skills. Researchers surveyed agritourism operators in Arkansas to describe demographics, educational needs (especially related to marketing communications), and educational delivery preferences. Results indicated that operators were typically older than 50 and that 60% had been in operation for longer than 10 years. Key issues and educational needs related to marketing communications included promotion and marketing, advertising, media relations, and signage. Communications tactics commonly used by the respondents included word-of-mouth (WOM); websites; print, radio, and television advertising; and local media relations. Preferred delivery methods for educational programming related to agritourism included periodic newsletters, regional workshops, and news releases

ECONOMIC IMPACT EVALUATION OF GLOBAL MARKETING SUPPORT SERVICES - AN EXPORTS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ON THE ECONOMY OF ARKANSAS

This study determines the impact of Global Marketing Support Services (GMSS) - an exports assistance program in assisting 13 small and medium sized businesses to export. The total impact of exports (direct, indirect and induced effects) on added value, employment, labor income and tax impacts in Arkansas are estimated using Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN).International Relations/Trade,