Distance and discourse in the local labour market: the case of Singapore

In this paper we use the example of Singapore to make two theoretical contr ibutions to the geographical literature on local labour markets. Firstly, w e suggest that the local labour market should be conceived of as an extende d 'network space' that is constituted by extra-local linkages and flows as well as local interactions. The importance of certain kinds of foreign 'wor kers' and 'talent' in Singapore can be used to illustrate this argument. Se condly, we contend that locally constructed discourses can actively shape l abour market dynamics, exemplified here by the rise of 'knowledge-based eco nomy' rhetoric in Singapore.