An assessment of growth and development paths for southeast Alaska.

Abstract

The intuitive explanation for why an economy grows or develops often involves the ways in which land (resources), labor, and capital interact. Here we review the literature for what is known about the different pathways for economic growth and development in resource-abundant regions. We discuss the effectiveness of the forest products industry as a determinant of economic development and how comparative advantages of different forest goods and services have changed. Much of our discussion is based on southeast Alaska where the development of a forest products industry was seen as offering potential economic opportunities that would increase the stability of local communities. The experience of the last several decades there suggests that a more comprehensive strategy than just the development of a timber industry is required to sustain economic growth.

Citation

Tsournos, Pete; Haynes, Richard W. 2004. An assessment of growth and development paths for southeast Alaska. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-620. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 27 p