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An empirically grounded conceptual framework of the determinants of economic resilience: Insights from seven major Canadian regions

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  • Jesse Sutton
  • Godwin Arku

Abstract

Investigating the determinants of resilience has been a core research agenda in the regional economic resilience literature. However, no comprehensive conceptual framework of the determinants of resilience currently exists. Instead, the determinants are typically presented as a set or list of factors that influence the economic resilience of regions. A more comprehensive conceptual framework, illustrating how such determinants interact, is therefore needed. To address this gap, this paper develops an empirically grounded conceptual framework of the determinants of regional economic resilience. To do so, this paper conducted in-depth interviews with economic development practitioners ( n = 41) from seven major Canadian regions. In the developed conceptual framework, the paper highlights the interactive nature of the determinants of resilience, the importance of recognizing the ecological limits of regions, and the roles that firm-based and system-based actors play in shaping regional economic resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Jesse Sutton & Godwin Arku, 2026. "An empirically grounded conceptual framework of the determinants of economic resilience: Insights from seven major Canadian regions," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 58(2), pages 174-193, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:58:y:2026:i:2:p:174-193
    DOI: 10.1177/0308518X251391204
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