Learning to be Capitalists: Entrepreneurs in Vietnam's Transition Economy

Submitted by Annette M. Kim on Thu, 01/31/2013 - 12:08pm

Why have some countries been able to escape the usual dead end of international development efforts and build explosively growing capitalist economies? Based on years of fieldwork, this book provides a detailed account of the first generation of entrepreneurs in Vietnam in comparison to those in other transition countries. Focusing on the emergence of private land development firms in Ho Chi Minh City, the author shows how within seven years the private sector produced the majority of all new houses in the real estate market.

Sidewalk City: Re-mapping Public Space in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Submitted by Annette M. Kim on Thu, 01/31/2013 - 11:57am

Sidewalks are potentially the most important and most overlooked public spaces in the city. This vast network of narrow, open spaces can be places where classes mix, economies flourish, and a vital urban life is lived. Now, more than ever, people around the globe are trying to unlock their potential by contesting the purpose of and rights to the sidewalk. Street vendors, property owners, local government, and the general public are engaging in innovative experiments in some places and bloody conflicts in others.

Students Attend Geneva Global Mercuty Negotiations

Submitted by Ezra Glenn on Mon, 01/14/2013 - 10:49am

A group of MIT students and faculty, including Leah Stokes and Danya Rumore (both DUSP PhD candidates in Environmental Policy and Planning)are attending the negotiations for a global treaty on mercury, which are taking place in Geneva from 13-18 January, 2013. Their goal is to help present the latest scientific results for the information of negotiators. You can follow their progress on their blog and twitter.

Event Recap: Regional Economic and Development Planning in East Africa

Submitted by Jody Pollock on Fri, 01/04/2013 - 3:16pm

On Wednesday, November 7, DUSP, urbanAfrica and the MIT Energy Initiative (MITei) hosted a panel discussion called “Regional Economic & Development Planning in East Africa: Natural Gas – Fueling Tanzania Forward." The panel, moderated by MITei Associate Director Rob Stoner, included Joseph Simbakalia (Mtwara Regional Commissioner). Professor Calestous Juma (Harvard Kennedy School), Professor Donald Lessard (Sloan International Management) and DUSP Professor Balakrishnan Rajagopal.

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