People often refer to our 24/7 lifestyles. This modern reality has led to an increasing number of cities to take seriously the positive development of its after-hours economy, seeking to minimize the problems that can occur when an underground criminal element uses the shield of night to focus on illegal gains from such activities as drugs and prostitution.

The focus has turned instead to legitimate forms of entertainment, music, fine dining and cultural activities. Not only does this enhance economic activity such as tourism, but also has several other advantages outlined below.

Building creative and other communities. A major focus of most night time economies has been the creative industries. In Sydney, a case in point is the Vivid Festival taking place over three weeks in May-June of each year and featuring spectacular light displays on buildings, international performances from musicians and other performing arts, and forums for the discussion and debate of important issues.

Scholars from multiple disciplines are gradually turning their attention to studying what it takes to develop a successful night time economy. Here are a few factors that should be taken into account.

Political leadership is required to promote the night time economy. For examples, political leaders in cities such as Amsterdam, Zurich, Sydney and London have appointed leaders (e.g. night mayors) who have responsibility for building the cities' night-time economy. Sydney, Australia, for example, has a city plan which will specifically develop its night time economy over the next few decades.

These leaders find support from urban planners and others, often seeking to develop specialized districts to promote night life and thus reap the benefits of additional tax revenues, jobs, tourism, etc.

Policy and law reform. At the same time, night time districts have to work hard to ensure a night district is not also accompanied by increased violence, intolerable noise, traffic congestion, illegal drug use and other social ills.

This requires policy makers, urban planners, regulatory bodies and others to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to ensure a successful night time economy. This requires good design at all levels. Policing, lighting, parking, noise and other issues must be addressed. Changes also have to be made in relation to liquor licensing, restaurant and other regulations.

Safety. Regulations and resources are also required to ensure that a night economy does not increase crime and actually diminish the quality of life. Resources, planning, laws and other infrastructure must be in place to capture the benefits and minimize any harms. For example, with more people around, better lighting and increased activity, it is possible that the safety of an area will actually be enhanced.

Efficiency. A common business strategy is to take your least performing asset and try to find a new use for it or make it more useful. China, for example, is rapidly developing its culture industries to make them more attractive to tourists, create jobs, expand its domestic economy, bring in tax revenue, and make cities more attractive as it moves to increase its rate of urbanization.

Some argue that the night time economy should be expanded to other areas. Take universities for example. In many cities, traditional universities are over-crowded and still cater largely to a day-time crowd of school leavers. This means that many adults, with commitments during the day, have few options open to them, especially in earning degrees that would enable them to gain professional qualifications.

In some U.S. cities, the "maker movement" has led to some higher education institutions opening their doors for members of the local community to network with others and gain access to the latest technologies (e.g. 3-D printing) to make things – thereby re-generating the interest and growth of manufacturing.

In addition to universities, museums, art galleries, libraries and almost all other facilities need to devote greater attention to meeting consumer/citizen demands to better facilitate the future growth and development of a vibrant and constructive night time economy.

Extending the "notions" of night time activities. Looking beyond entertainment. If the notion of a night time economy is to take off, we also need to re-conceptualize what activities are appropriate for night and need to look more closely at consumer demand.

Need for more research from multiple disciplines. Notwithstanding the rapid, and even spectacular, growth of night time activities around the globe, the special nature of night time economies remains under-studied. University researchers need to devote more attention to nightlife in order to understand what it means and how it is emerging as an important economic and social force in cities. This research should include the biological sciences as well.

For example, could it be more efficient to have a significant part of the population sleeping in two four hour periods rather than the traditional eight hour block?

While a night time economy is not appropriate for everyone or every city or all parts of a city, it seems to make a sense for many, including China's rapidly growing urban populations.

A common strategy and pattern is to designate one part of a city to be focused on legitimate entertainment, music, dancing, restaurants and other cultural activities. Indeed, China has been working hard over the past two decades to build up its cultural and creative industries in a bid to boost tourism, create more economic opportunities and move China's economy and society into the 21st century while at the same time preserving and celebrating its long and notable past.

Eugene Clark is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.h5a3.com/opinion/eugeneclark.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.