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Sustainable Regional Development And Complex Adaptive Systems: A Methodological Proposal Through Social Network Analysis

Author

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  • Diego Andrés CARREÑO DUEÑAS

    (School of Mines, National University of Colombia (Universidad Nacional de Colombia), Medellin, Colombia; Professor, School of Industrial Management, Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia (Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia), Duitama, Colombia.)

  • Walter Lugo RUIZ CASTAÑEDA

    (Professor, Department of Organizational Engineering, School of Mines, National University of Colombia (Universidad Nacional de Colombia), Medellin Colombia.)

Abstract

The evolution of the main theories that have shaped Sustainable Regional Development (SRD) is traced in this paper, with the progressive incorporation of economic, social, environmental, and institutional dimensions showing how it is configured as a complex phenomenon. Based on this conceptual foundation, the study links the analysis of SRD to the Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) framework and, within this approach, to Social Network Analysis (SNA) as a tool for modelling interactions among regional stakeholders. Finally, it introduces a correlation between the resulting regional network metrics and the Departmental Innovation Index (IDIC) indicators for Colombia's regions, offering an alternative perspective for analysing regional disparities.

Suggested Citation

  • Diego Andrés CARREÑO DUEÑAS & Walter Lugo RUIZ CASTAÑEDA, 2025. "Sustainable Regional Development And Complex Adaptive Systems: A Methodological Proposal Through Social Network Analysis," Regional Science Inquiry, Hellenic Association of Regional Scientists, vol. 0(2), pages 85-99, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:hrs:journl:v:xvii:y:2025:i:2:p:85-99
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O20 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - General
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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