Economic independence through protection? Emerging contradictions in India's small-scale sector

The following investigation examines the metal furniture manufacturing industry in India and shows that regulation aimed at protecting the small-scale sector does not provide the necessary impetus for growth and survival of small industries. Rather, such regulation provides a fertile territory for larger businesses to profit from protected markets and regulatory loopholes. A new role for state institutions is suggested in the final analysis that builds on supportive networks that migitate the disadvantages of scale, without enorous restrictions for others, and creates conditions for operations of all sizes to survive and grow.     

Global Linkages of Subnational Regions: Coastal Exports and International Networks

This article explores the determinants of exports of the two coastal regions of the continental United States and the differences between them. The authors evaluate the contribution of international sociocultural and business networks to exports of the two major coastal regions of the United States, the West Coast and the East Coast, and examine their geographic trading affinities. The article finds that although transnational business ties play a significant positive role in boosting overall exports of both coasts, social networks of foreign-born immigrants play a similar role only for the West Coast. The study also suggests that the significance of distance as a proxy for transportation costs is somewhat diminished once these networks are taken into account. Both regions seem to share a propensity for exports to the Asia-Pacific region. (JEL R0 , F10 , F20 )