Economic Orientation and Local Employment Growth in the Living Basins of Market Towns and Small Cities,

Abstract

An analysis of the way in which the main economic activities combine locally highlights the growing presence in rural employment of economic activities designed to satisfy the needs of local people, activities which constitute the basis of a residential economy. Agriculture and the sectors directly linked to it are now relatively insignificant and have been overtaken by the industrial sectors. Thus, while in 1980 only a third of the living basins centred around a market town or small city had more residential jobs than agricultural and industrial jobs, in 1999 more than half were in this position. During the period, basins with a residential economy experienced more favourable economic development than basins with a more industrial or agricultural character. Furthermore, all other things being equal, employment growth was more marked in basins close to large urban centres, the local demographic dynamic having a positive influence on the development of economic activity.Industry Location, Local Employment Dynamics, Rural Development