Spatial characteristics of policy reference in pioneer local governments

Case of regional economic policy at Yokkaichi city and Kitakami City

Abstract

This presentation discusses on spatial characteristics of policy reference between Japanese local governments. At the case of policy sphere, “Act on Formation and Development of Regional Industrial Clusters through Promotion of Establishment of New Business Facilities, etc.” ,one of the new laws of regional economic policy, has taken up from the point of competition between local governments and administrative decentralization on policymaking in regional economic sphere. From the policy-making processes of Yokkaichi city and Kitakami city, the examples of pioneer local governments, both cities had drawn up their program by themselves and had not referred other local authorities. In addition, direct policy reference through inspections and inquiries from follower governments had not almost seen.