12 SEP 2025 (FRI) 15:00-16:30

Geography Distinguished Seminars Series

Cities as Economic Growth Machines: Comparing the Urban Trajectories of China and the United States

Date: 12 SEP 2025 (Friday)

Time: 15:00-16:30 (HKT)

Mode: Hybrid

Venue: CLL, Department of Geography, 10/F, The Jockey Club Tower, Centennial Campus, HKU

Via Zoom: Zoom link will be provided upon successful registration

Registration link: https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?guest=Y&ueid=102529

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Abstract:

The United States and China are the two biggest economic powers in the world and much of their economic prowess has relied on urbanization processes. However, the trajectories of urbanization in the two countries have been very different in terms of timing and political-economic context. This seminar presents a basic comparison of the historical urban trajectories of the U.S. and China and what it means for their economic performance over time. It will consider key demographic variables that intersect with urbanization and with economic growth, and it will direct attention to the role of evolving modes of production and the growing importance of smart urban economies.

Professor Jan Nijman

Founding Director and Distinguished University Professor of the Urban Studies Institute, Georgia State University, USA Jan Nijman is the Founding Director and Distinguished University Professor at the Urban Studies Institute of Georgia State University (USA), and he is Emeritus Professor of Geography, Planning & International Development at the University of Amsterdam. His interests are in urban and regional development, with extensive research experience in North America, Europe, and South Asia.

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