Why is Economic Geography Not an Evolutionary Science? Towards an Evolutionary Economic Geography

Posted: 29 Feb 2008

See all articles by Ron A. Boschma

Ron A. Boschma

Utrecht University - Faculty of Geographical Sciences

Koen Frenken

University of Utrecht - Urban and Regional Research Centre Utrecht (URU)

Date Written: June 2006

Abstract

The paper explains the commonalities and differences between neoclassical, institutional and evolutionary approaches that have been influential in economic geography during the last couple of decades. By separating the three approaches in terms of theoretical content and research methodology, we can appreciate both the commonalities and differences between the three approaches. It is also apparent that innovative theorizing currently occurs at the interface between neoclassical and evolutionary theory (especially in modelling) and at the interface between institutional and evolutionary theory (especially in 'appreciative theorizing'). Taken together, we argue that Evolutionary Economic Geography is an emerging paradigm in economic geography, yet does so without isolating itself from developments in other theoretical approaches.

Keywords: JEL classifications: A12, B20, B25, B52, R0, R1

Suggested Citation

Boschma, Ron A. and Frenken, Koen, Why is Economic Geography Not an Evolutionary Science? Towards an Evolutionary Economic Geography (June 2006). Journal of Economic Geography, Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 273-302, 2006, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=917730 or http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jeg/lbi022

Ron A. Boschma (Contact Author)

Utrecht University - Faculty of Geographical Sciences ( email )

Postbus 80.115
3508 TC Utrecht
Netherlands
+31 30 2532896 (Phone)
+31 30 2532037 (Fax)

Koen Frenken

University of Utrecht - Urban and Regional Research Centre Utrecht (URU) ( email )

Vredenburg 138
Utrecht, 3511 BG
Netherlands

HOME PAGE: http://econ.geo.uu.nl/frenken/frenken.html

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