Section B: The changing economic world

Some LICs and NEEs are experiencing rapid economic development which leads to significant social, environmental and cultural change.

A case study of one LIC or NEE to illustrate:

• the location and importance of the country, regionally and globally
• the wider political, social, cultural and environmental context within which the country is placed
• the changing industrial structure. The balance between different sectors of the economy. How manufacturing industry can stimulate economic development
• the role of transnational corporations (TNCs) in relation to industrial development. Advantages and disadvantages of TNC(s) to the host country
• the changing political and trading relationships with the wider world
• international aid: types of aid, impacts of aid on the receiving country
• the environmental impacts of economic development
• the effects of economic development on quality of life for the population.

Major changes in the economy of the UK have affected, and will continue to affect, employment patterns and regional growth.

Economic futures in the UK:

• causes of economic change: de-industrialisation and decline of traditional industrial base, globalisation and government policies
• moving towards a post-industrial economy: development of information technology, service industries, finance, research, science and business parks
• impacts of industry on the physical environment. An example of how modern industrial development can be more environmentally sustainable
• social and economic changes in the rural landscape in one area of population growth and one area of population decline
• improvements and new developments in road and rail infrastructure, port and airport capacity
• the north–south divide. Strategies used in an attempt to resolve regional differences
• the place of the UK in the wider world. Links through trade, culture, transport, and electronic communication. Economic and political links: the European Union (EU) and Commonwealth.