The export base hypothesis is that a region's growth is led by export demand, given perfectly elastic factor supplies. It is a rationale for "sector-based" rural development policies, and it is formalized by input-output models. But it is contested by modern trade, migration, and growth...

The export base hypothesis is that a region’s growth is led by export demand, given perfectly elastic factor supplies. It is a rationale for “sector-based” rural development policies, and it is formalized by input-output models. But it is contested by modern trade, migration, and growth...

Rural North America has undergone a major economic transformation over the past century due to labor-saving technological progress, reductions in transport costs, and rising household incomes. The results are greater rural economic diversity, selected rural population decline, increased...