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Indivisibilities, Synergy And Proximity: The Need For An Integrated Approach To Agglomeration Economies

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  • ROBERTA CAPELLO

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to present a review of the literature on agglomeration economies in a light such that it is possible to uncover the building blocks for use in a multidimentional approach to agglomeration economies. The paper claims that the different conceptual dimensions – industrial, socio‐cultural/cognitive and geographic – build upon the three micro‐foundations of agglomeration economies – indivisibility, synergy and proximity – and explain their nature, scope and intensity. The paper stresses two main issues. The first is that a socio‐cultural/cognitive perspective still today ignored by mainstream approaches to agglomeration economies is an additional important conceptual dimension on which to understand the complex mechanisms whereby exchanges of knowledge, labour or intermediate goods take place in agglomerated areas. The second is that a multidimensional approach comprising the three different dimensions in the study of agglomeration economies makes it possible to overcome a deterministic approach to agglomeration economies and move instead towards a stochastic interpretation which opens the black box of this complex phenomenon.

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  • Roberta Capello, 2009. "Indivisibilities, Synergy And Proximity: The Need For An Integrated Approach To Agglomeration Economies," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 100(2), pages 145-159, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:tvecsg:v:100:y:2009:i:2:p:145-159
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9663.2009.00525.x
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      • Glaeser, Edward Ludwig & Laibson, David I. & Scheinkman, Jose A. & Soutter, Christine L., 2000. "Measuring Trust," Scholarly Articles 4481497, Harvard University Department of Economics.
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    6. Evert Meijers & Martijn Burger & Roberto Camagni & Roberta Capello & Andrea Caragliu, 2016. "Static vs. dynamic agglomeration economies. Spatial context and structural evolution behind urban growth," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 95(1), pages 133-158, March.
    7. Caragliu, Andrea & Graziano, Marcello, 2022. "The spatial dimension of energy transition policies, practices and technologies," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
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    9. Roberto Camagni & Roberta Capello & Andrea Caragliu, 2013. "One or infinite optimal city sizes? In search of an equilibrium size for cities," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 51(2), pages 309-341, October.
    10. Patricia Hemert & Peter Nijkamp & Enno Masurel, 2013. "From innovation to commercialization through networks and agglomerations: analysis of sources of innovation, innovation capabilities and performance of Dutch SMEs," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 50(2), pages 425-452, April.
    11. Inácio Fernandes de Araújo & Eduardo Gonçalves & Juliana Gonçalves Taveira, 2019. "The Role of Patent Co-inventorship Networks in Regional Inventive Performance," International Regional Science Review, , vol. 42(3-4), pages 235-280, May.
    12. Céline Rozenblat, 2010. "Opening the Black Box of Agglomeration Economies for Measuring Cities’ Competitiveness through International Firm Networks," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 47(13), pages 2841-2865, November.
    13. Stefano Breschi & Camilla Lenzi, 2015. "The Role of External Linkages and Gatekeepers for the Renewal and Expansion of US Cities' Knowledge Base, 1990-2004," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(5), pages 782-797, May.
    14. N. Yu. Zamyatina & A. N. Pilyasov, 2017. "Concept of proximity: Foreign experience and prospects of application in Russia," Regional Research of Russia, Springer, vol. 7(3), pages 197-207, July.
    15. Roberto Dellisanti, 2023. "Spatial patterns of Cultural and Creative Industries: Creativity and filière behind concentration," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 102(3), pages 533-564, June.
    16. Karima Kourtit & Yuyuan Wen & Peter Nijkamp & Anjun Hu & Jiuwen Sun, 2014. "Agglomeration economies and the match between manufacturing industries and cities in China," Regional Science Policy & Practice, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 6(4), pages 315-327, November.
    17. Martijn J. Burger & Frank G. Van Oort & Koen Frenken & Bert Van Der Knaap, 2009. "Networks And Economic Agglomerations: Introduction To The Special Issue," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 100(2), pages 139-144, April.
    18. Nicola Cortinovis & Frank van Oort, 2017. "Between spilling over and boiling down: network-mediated spillovers, absorptive capacity and productivity in European regions," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 17-118/VI, Tinbergen Institute.

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