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Developing methods for future-gazing economic geographies

Author

Listed:
  • Guy Crawford

    (Centre for Languages & International Education, University College London, London, UK
    Department of Global Sustainable Development, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK)

  • Jens Christiansen

    (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies, Lund University, Lund, Sweden)

  • Fernanda Rojas-Marchini

    (Instituto de Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile)

Abstract

While the future and temporality have received increased attention in economic geography in recent years, there is a need for further understanding of how this creates opportunities and challenges for our methods. Based on our independent research on environmental markets, this paper discusses the methodological challenge of studying markets-in-the-making while taking the force of the future seriously. We first suggest ways of engaging imaginaries as an empirical entry point for studying futures and emergence in economic geography. Secondly, we argue for further experimentation with mixed methods approaches as a means of diversifying methodological engagement with futurity. Finally, by distilling distinct themes from existing empirical research, the paper presents concrete guidance on how to bring ‘present futures’ to the fore when examining marketisation. In doing so, this paper seeks to advance debates on how economic geographers can better engage methodologically with a world in flux.

Suggested Citation

  • Guy Crawford & Jens Christiansen & Fernanda Rojas-Marchini, 2026. "Developing methods for future-gazing economic geographies," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 58(2), pages 303-311, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:58:y:2026:i:2:p:303-311
    DOI: 10.1177/0308518X251347428
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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