Economic diversification and development for the province of Alberta: a systemic approach
Abstract
This study investigates alternative approaches the Government of Alberta might employ to diversify the economic structure of the province. It is argued that Albertans are largely dependent on the social and economic benefits derived from the Province's agriculture and energy industries to maintain their accustomed standard of living, and that the initiatives undertaken by the public sector over the past 30 years have not substantially reduced that dependence. After a review and evaluation of the concepts, theories and analytical methods developed (in the field of regional planning) to stimulate economic diversification and development, as well as a review and critique of past federal and provincial government efforts in this regard, the normative position is taken that future government intervention should stem from a "holistic" view of the economic diversification and development process. In line with this view of the topic, the study outlines the elements of a systemic approach to economic diversification and development for the Province of Alberta. Its key features relate to the formation of institutional systems designed to: (1) improve intergovernmental and interdepartmental coordination in the formulation and management of economic diversification and development initiatives so as to increase their overall effectiveness; (2) stimulate the creation and expansion of innovative businesses in the province; (3) generate the development, application and commercialization of new products and technologies by locally-owned and operated businesses; (4) expand foreign and domestic markets served by local firms; and (5), facilitate widespread public participation in community-based economic development projects.
Description
Bibliography: p. 297-310.
Keywords
Citation
de Jong, E. W. (1984). Economic diversification and development for the province of Alberta: a systemic approach (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/18486