Small states and governments have unique challenges when it comes to offering services to citizens. Favaro, a Lead Economist at The World Bank, has edited these papers which identify the hurdles these governments must face, emphasizing the fact that a greater percentage of the GDP must be spent on basic services than with highly-industrialized nations. Eight case studies are presented from around the world, covering such topics as telecommunications regulation, banking supervision and regional court systems. Written primarily as a textbook for students of social sciences and economics, these stories should appeal to anyone faced with policymaking in these settings. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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Small states face special hurdles in achieving development gains. These states spend significantly more of their GDP on producing public goods and services, and they face higher connectivity costs than do their larger brethren. 'Small States, Smart Solutions' examines how some small states use international trade and telecommunications technology to outsource services such as justice, banking supervision, public utilities regulation, high-quality medicine, and education. Sourcing these services internationally poses unique challenges but also opens broad opportunities. The eight case studies in this book, based on interviews with government officers and citizens, describe pioneering initiatives undertaken by some small states to better the quality of life of their citizens.
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