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The Use of Resilience in Regional Science: A Discussion of Some Contested Issues

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  • Batabyal, Amitrajeet

Abstract

The concept of resilience has now been widely adopted across the social sciences and has assumed prominence in regional science. While this growing attention is to be welcomed, it has also given rise to ambiguity and confusion within the existing regional science literature, especially regarding foundational questions and, consequently, to the policy implications of resilience. Using probability theory, this paper offers an analysis of three foundational and one policy-related issues associated with the use of resilience in regional science. The foundational issues address questions of definition, whether resilience should be understood as a process, and if resilience should invariably be regarded as desirable. The policy-related issue focuses on the related concepts of resilience and sustainability. The paper concludes with two recommendations about future research on resilience in regional science.

Suggested Citation

  • Batabyal, Amitrajeet, 2026. "The Use of Resilience in Regional Science: A Discussion of Some Contested Issues," MPRA Paper 128731, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 22 Mar 2026.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:128731
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Q57 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Ecological Economics
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • R58 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Regional Development Planning and Policy

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