Editorial

Article Type: Editorial From: Journal of Property Investment & Finance, Volume 27, Issue 1

As I write this, the Beijing Olympics are drawing to a close and whilst I have never been over jingoistic (although my German colleagues from ERES may dispute this; having shared the experience of me watching England lose on penalties to Germany on two occasions!), it has been interesting to note how the Asian countries, and not only China, have become more dominant at these games in comparison with previous events. This certainly mirrors the change of global power and influence in the business world over the last two decades. As the west slips into recession (maybe, by the time this editorial is read, someone will actually admit that it is more than a “slow down”!), the Asian world is expanding and developing at a rate probably not seen since the expansion of the British Empire in the early Victorian era. It is both sobering and impressive to watch. The analogy with the Olympics is strong with the exception of India who has yet to achieve in the sports arena (albeit they do have a wonderful cricket team).

So, what does this have to do with the Journal of Property Investment & Finance? Well, in this issue, there are two papers and a practice briefing that analyse the property industry in China, Taiwan, Singapore and Asia in general. Indeed, in the next issue we are running a special issue on Real Estate in China. In the last ten years, we have been privileged to publish a host of papers from authors from Singapore and Hong Kong but now the academic world of real estate is embracing colleagues from Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia and all parts of Asia. The universities are developing Real Estate programmes;the academic societies (Asian Real Estate Society (AsRES), Pacific Rim Real Estate Society (PRRES) and America Real Estate and Urban Economists Association(AREUEA)) have all run important conferences in the region that recognise the expansion of the market in the area.

In a small way, the Journal of Property Investment & Financehopes to be part of this process of helping to develop the academic offer from Asia. The standard of the papers is high, the topicality of the research is salient and academics from the traditional commonwealth countries have a lot to learn from our colleagues work in the region in analysing and understanding the speed of change in those markets.

The special issue on China (and the region) is hopefully one of a series in the next couple of years. We are also hopeful of running a special issue on India. The world is changing and it is important that, in all parts of the globe, we strive for academic gold.

Nick French