For many decades scholars from various disciplines have been intrigued by the question whether there are unifying principles or models that have a validity in different disciplines. The building of such analytical frameworks bridging the gaps between scientific traditions is a very ambitious task and has not been very successful up till now. In the past - in a static context - several such principles have been defined and advocated at the edge of the natural sciences on the one hand and social sciences (in particular, economics and geography) on the other hand, mainly based on the paradigm of...

This book is unique in that it brings together a collection of recent advances in the field of spatial systems analysis from the perspective of a solid and rigorous research methodology. The topics discussed and presented in a refreshing framework have a wide coverage, ranging from land use and infrastructure issues to spatial chaos theory. Especially the evolution of spatial economic systems is given due attention in this book, with a strong emphasis on behavioural foundations originating from economic theory. This book forms an interesting representation of the research spirit advocated by...

As European countries pursue a common effort towards establishing a European Union, various isolated -and consequently disadvantaged -regions are likely to face increasing competitive pressures due to their peripheral location. To assist such areas, regional, national and supranational bodies put much effort into developing transport and communication networks and linkages in order to ensure that such less favoured areas are better integrated in the broader European social and economic development process. This book addresses the issue of lagging development in various -mainly central and...

This book brings together various contributions to the field of spatial equilibrium modelling, including overviews from different perspectives, new theoretical results and applications. Some recent developments receive ample attention, such as instruments in spatial price equilibrium models, externalities and spatial equilibrium, and the integration of spatial and general equilibrium notions.

A major strategy to reduce transport congestion and other social costs of transport is to ensure that travellers make the best decisions, based on real time information. A wide range of technological systems have been developed to provide this information, but little is known about how travellers actually respond to it. This book offers an overview of various transport telematics options and provides an appropriate methodological framework, followed by a presentation of results from actual applications of these telematics systems from a range of European countries in various transport...

Although it is agreed that the dual development of monetary integration and territorial enlargement are likely to generate profound effects on European spatial structure, in both West and East, much uncertainty centres around the question of what changes will be brought about. This book furthers our economic understanding of the opportunities and challenges offered by these developments. The emphasis is primarily on the economic agenda associated with European integration. Part A reviews the debate on European monetary unification. Economic integration raises many issues, one which is dealt...

Transport policy is an increasingly difficult area for all national governments and regional/local authorities. Tackling car use and realising a sustainable transport system appears to be very difficult. Developing public transport is seen as an increasingly important element in improving the transport system, especially in densely populated areas. At the same time however, governments are under increasing pressure to cut taxation. As a result there is a growing gap between increasing policy need for public transport and government resources to fund that need. This timely book explores one...

This book investigates dynamic regions in the context of greater global interaction in a world economy increasingly driven by knowledge and innovation. It offers novel empirical evidence on the underlying factors of the growth performance of these spaces. In particular, the following questions are addressed: What role is there for research, education and innovation in the development strategies of the dynamic growth regions? What are the risks and consequences of dynamic growth on patterns of world growth and development, competitiveness, inequalities, and convergence? What development...

The need for informed and effective insights into key concepts and models of regional development and growth, from an endogenous growth perspective, has risen over the past decade. These recent advances address in particular local and regional assets and characteristics comprising inter alia creativity, knowledge, innovation forces and entrepreneurship. Access to and exploitation of these modern forms of human and social capital are of paramount importance for the dynamic regional economic environment in a city or region. This volume offers an overview and critical treatment of the...