This book provides a much overdue contribution to our understanding of the developmental dynamics of some of Asias most celebrated city states: Singapore and Hong Kong. By revisiting the developmental state thesis and analysing the policy challenges posed by the rise of the knowledge economy and the increasing impact of digitization, the author is able to demonstrate how the adoption of smart city strategies is increasingly supplanting traditional approaches to developmental policy, planning and economic management. A timely, thoughtful and innovative book that speaks to students of international political economy, development and policymakers alike.
Darryl S.L. Jarvis, Professor and Head of Department of Asian and Policy Studies, Education University of Hong Kong
The Evolution of the Asian Developmental State
Many East Asian states have undergone profound economic transformations over the last two decades. Singapore and Hong Kong especially have adapted to shifting economic and technological conditions by transforming themselves into smart developmental states. In these cities, the proliferation of digital technologies has given rise to new growth sectors and opened up new areas of political contestation within these early proponents of the developmental state model.
Providing a theoretical and empirical discussion of the Asian developmental state model, the book assesses the evolution of the developmental state model, considers recent developments in the field and evaluates the development states continued relevance as a conceptual framework for understanding the politics of economic development. Focusing on digital and technology-enabled economic activities in Hong Kong and Singapore, the author explores the various policies that allow developmental states to stimulate economic growth, ensure organizational coherence, and engage businesses and other stakeholders.
This book will be of interest to scholars and researchers of political economy and economic development in Asia as well as business professionals and other practitioners.
J.J. Woo is Assistant Professor of Singapore and Southeast Asian Politics in the Public Policy and Global Affairs Programme of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. From 2016 to 2017, he was Rajawali Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where he worked on policy co-creation in Singapore. Dr Woo received his PhD from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore and holds an MSc (International Political Economy) from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University.
Rethinking Asia and International Relations
Series Editor: Emilian Kavalski, Li Dak Sum Chair Professor in ChinaEurasia Relations and International Studies, University of Nottingham, Ningbo, China
This series seeks to provide thoughtful consideration both of the growing prominence of Asian actors on the global stage and the changes in the study and practice of world affairs that they provoke. It intends to offer a comprehensive parallel assessment of the full spectrum of Asian states, organisations, and regions and their impact on the dynamics of global politics.
The series seeks to encourage conversation on:
what rules, norms, and strategic cultures are likely to dominate international life in the Asian Century;
how will global problems be reframed and addressed by a rising Asia;
which institutions, actors, and states are likely to provide leadership during such shifts to the East;
whether there is something distinctly Asian about the emerging patterns of global politics.
Such comprehensive engagement not only aims to offer a critical assessment of the actual and prospective roles of Asian actors, but also seeks to rethink the concepts, practices, and frameworks of analysis of world politics.
This series invites proposals for interdisciplinary research monographs undertaking comparative studies of Asian actors and their impact on the current patterns and likely future trajectories of international relations. Furthermore, it offers a platform for pioneering explorations of the ongoing transformations in global politics as a result of Asias increasing centrality to the patterns and practices of world affairs.
Chinas Relations with the Gulf Monarchies
Jonathan Fulton
The Evolution of the Asian Developmental State
Hong Kong and Singapore
J.J. Woo
For more information about this series, please visit:
https://www.routledge.com/Rethinking-Asia-and-International-Relations/book-series/ASHSER1384
First published 2019
by Routledge
2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN
and by Routledge
711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business
2019 J. J. Woo
The right of J. J. Woo to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical,or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.
Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe.
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Woo, J. J. (Jun Jie), author.
Title: The evolution of the Asian developmental state:
Hong Kong and Singapore / J.J. Woo.
Description: Abingdon, Oxon; New York, NY: Routledge, 2018. |
Series: Rethinking Asia and international relations |
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2018006044 | ISBN 9781138070264 (hardback) |
ISBN 9781315115139 (e-book)
Subjects: LCSH: Economic developmentGovernment policy
ChinaHong Kong. | Economic developmentGovernment
policySingapore. | TechnologyEconomic aspectsChina
Hong Kong. | TechnologyEconomic aspectsSingapore. |
Technology and stateChinaHong Kong. | Technology and
stateSingapore. | Hong Kong (China)Economic policy. |
SingaporeEconomic policy.
Classification: LCC HC470.3.Z9
E448 2018 | DDC 338.95125dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018006044
ISBN: 978-1-138-07026-4 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-315-11513-9 (ebk)
Typeset in Times New Roman
by codeMantra
To my wife Debbie and my son Harvey, for being my raison dtre.
And above all, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.
This book would not have been possible without the love and support of my wife Debbie, who has always been the sounding board for my ideas. This book, like all my other books, therefore bears the imprint of her thoughts and ideas. Unlike my previous books, however, this book also bears the imprint of my son Harvey, who was born shortly before this book was completed. I am grateful for his constant (though not necessarily quiet) company during the final stages of writing this book.
