ABSTRACT

Reflecting on the rising role of service industries in the world economy, DANIELS highlights the impact that geographical variations have on the extent to which locations gain or lose from the process of internationalization. Particular attention is given to the form and structure of the major cities that have been important participants in the globalization of services. Likewise, ILLERIS takes a geographical approach providing a useful review and synthesis of research into the development and future of the service economy. Among the subjects examined are household services, producer services, issues concerning the concepts of productivity and effectiveness, and the impact of service development on skills and the labour market. International variations in the development of service activity between five Western countries, as well as East-Central Europe, are discussed and consideration is given to international trade in services and the emerging “service society”.