3. Growth centers and growth poles

Case Study 1: Growth Pole Strategy in Vietnam

Theories and Perspectives Applied to Growth Poles:

• Growth Pole Model (Perroux, 1955) – Explains how economic development concentrates in key centers.
• Core-Periphery Model (Friedmann, 1966) – Highlights spatial inequalities in development.
• Spatial Interaction Model – Explains movement and interaction between regions.

Models/Theories/Laws Applied:

• Gravity Model of Growth Poles – Estimates attractiveness of locations using spatial interpolation tools.
• Regional Development Strategies Model – Examines approaches to regional planning.
• Industrial Location Models (Weber, Losch) – Explain the spatial distribution of industries.

Recent Data:

• Vietnam’s Growth Poles: Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi dominate economic activity.
• Economic Impact: Vietnam’s GDP growth rate averaged 5.5% since 1990.
• Urbanization Trends: Rapid expansion of industrial zones and infrastructure projects.

Spatial Variation:

• Major Cities: High economic influence due to industrial and financial hubs.
• Peripheral Regions: Moderate development with emerging industries.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Growth pole strategies evolving since Đổi Mới economic reforms (1986).
• Future Projections: Expected rise in regional integration policies.

Source:

• Identification of Regional Growth Poles in Vietnam

Insight:

Vietnam’s economic transformation validates Growth Pole Model, emphasizing the role of urban centers in driving national development.

Case Study 2: Growth Pole Development in South Korea – Sejong City

Theories and Perspectives Applied to Growth Poles:

• Growth Pole Model (Perroux, 1955) – Explains how economic development concentrates in key centers.
• Core-Periphery Model (Friedmann, 1966) – Highlights spatial inequalities in development.
• Regional Imbalances Model – Examines disparities in economic and social development.

Models/Theories/Laws Applied:

• Urban-Rural Continuum Model – Studies the transition between urban and rural areas.
• Regional Development Strategies Model – Examines approaches to regional planning.
• Spatial Interaction Model – Explains movement and interaction between regions.

Recent Data:

• Sejong City: Developed as South Korea’s new administrative capital.
• Economic Impact: Government job relocation aimed at reducing Seoul’s overconcentration.
• Migration Trends: Mixed spread and backwash effects observed in population redistribution.

Spatial Variation:

• Seoul Metropolitan Area: High economic influence but facing congestion issues.
• Sejong City: Moderate growth with planned urban expansion.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Growth pole strategy implemented since 2012.
• Future Projections: Expected rise in integrated regional development policies.

Source:

• Revisiting Growth Poles and Regional Disparity in South Korea

Insight:

Sejong City’s development validates Growth Pole Model, emphasizing the role of planned urban expansion in reducing regional disparities.