The course Fostering Growth and Inclusion in Asia’s Cities by the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) describes ways to build the capacity of Asia’s cities to boost growth and employment. The focus is on sound urban planning, efficient public transport, and affordable housing. Its main learning objectives are to better understand the patterns of urbanisation in Asia and the implications for economic growth, to learn about policy options to make urbanisation work for all, and specifically to emphasise the role of city planning.
The course, consisting of video lessons and open access learning materials, is divided into four units. A certificate is issued upon completion of the course.
Unit 1: Urbanisation in Developing Asia
- Status and trends
- Relationship between urbanisation and economic growth
- Natural cities based on night-time lights data
Unit 2: Urban Agglomeration Economies in Asia’s Cities
- Benefits of agglomeration
- Cities, firms, and jobs: Some new evidence
Unit 3: Managing the City as a Labour Market
- Planning for urban expansion
- Adequate affordable housing and housing policies
- Coverage, efficiency, and affordability of public transportation
- Economic development and the role of governments
Unit 4: Urban Systems and Development
- Planning for urban expansion
- Policy implications
- Conclusion