Summaries
This paper is a summary of two articles. In the first article, “The internet and local wages: A puzzle” by Forman, Avi & Greenstein, the main arguments are that:
? Even though internet is widespread, there are no economic gains.
? In already highly wealthy countries, advancement in technology also contributes to wage growth of 6%.
Evidence provided to support these claims
? The authors use statistics of the growth rate in wages
? They also use evidence by providing a time span of between 1995 to 2000
? The authors give example of the wealthy countries and how they have recorded performance
? They also substantiate their claims by referencing to other previous researches conducted
? Another evidence provided is the disparities that internet advancement has had in different countries
Strengths and weaknesses of these arguments compared to other reading
Strengths
? The authors acknowledged and substantiated the claims with tangible evidence
? The article is well researched and has factual statistics provided
? The article is peer reviewed which enhances credibility of the evidence.
Weaknesses
? Some of the claims are own opinions
? Lacks appropriate methodology followed to come up with the evidence
Questions the reading raise
? One of the question is how can the use and benefits of internet be quantified into economic value?
? What is the reason for reduced wage rises despite advancement in internet technology?
Shortcomings
Even though the study is expansive and credible, it has few shortcomings. One of the shortcomings is that the authors provided less information on the growth of internet and the major motives or reasons for its advancement. The scope of the research is also small and therefore, they base their claims on generalizations.

In the article “Are More Start-Ups Really Better? Quantity and Quality of New Businesses and Their Effect on Regional Development” by Fritsch & Schroeter, the main arguments are:
? Increase in regional start up rate beyond a certain level may cause a negative employment effect
? Employment creating effect of startup is highest in regions with low level of new business formation
? It is not the number of start ups but rather their quality that matters and which contributes to economic development
Evidence provided by the authors in support of these arguments
? They use recent empirical evidence provided on the effect of new business formation as well as employment
? They also review literature from various authors which help to build up their claims
? They source tangible statistics from various countries such as Germany
? They also use a model of regional new business formation and creative destruction
? Incorporates different interregional growth capabilities. These differences in regional regimes help to provide evidence on the differences in start-ups.
Strength of the arguments
? They are based on tangible evidence
? They incorporate real examples and situations
? The arguments are substantiated with models that provide valuable information and enhance understanding
Weaknesses
? Some of the arguments have limitations
? Some of the approaches are one sided
Questions the reading raises
? What are the factors that determine the type of quality of a regional growth regime?
? What are the appropriate strategies or ways to stimulate the quality of start-ups to trigger economic development?
Shortcomings
Despite the fact that this study is extensive and credible, it has some shortcomings. One of the shortcomings is that the authors have not provided a comprehensive methodology they used to reach to their claims.
Works Cited
Fritsch, M., & Schroeter, A. (n.d). Are More Start-Ups Really Better? Quantity and Quality of New Businesses and Their Effect on Regional Development. Retrieved from: http://zs.thulb.uni- jena.de/servlets/MCRFileNodeServlet/jportal_derivate_00174060/wp_2009_070.pdf
Forman, c., Avi, G., & Greenstein, S. (n.d). The internet and local wages: A puzzle. Retrieved from:
http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/faculty/greenstein/images/htm/research/wp/the%20 internet%20and%20local%20wages%20–%20a%20puzzle.pdf