Skilled Cities, Regional Disparities, and Efficient Transport: The State of the Art and a Research Agenda

Abstract

The three themes of this survey -- cities, regions, and transport -- are closely intertwined and gathered in the category R of the JEL Classification System. We discuss cities and regions in separate sections because they are different spatial units facing specific problems. Transport issues affect both cities and regions and are discussed in each relevant section. The introductory remarks explain both the reason for this division, as well as what spatial economics is all about. Because general economists have barely met the words cities, regions, and transport during their studies, we explain what the field of spatial economics is and define basic concepts that might not currently be in their tool box. The second section is devoted to cities; the third focuses on regions. We conclude with general policy recommendations.

Keywords: cities, congestion, land, region, trade, transport

JEL Classification: R00