How do regions evolve over time? The current debate in the field of Evolutionary Economic Geography

ABSTRACT

The main objective of this paper is to conduct a theoretical discussion on the state of the art of the evolutionary approach within Economic Geography, highlighting its pillars, key concepts, critiques, and limitations. Additionally, it examines contributions from other strands within Economic Geography — namely Institutional, Relational, and Political Economy approaches — that may help bridge existing gaps in Evolutionary Economic Geography (EEG). This culminates in the proposal of a developmental EEG, grounded in engaged pluralism. The primary contribution of this study is the proposal of a conceptual framework within Economic Geography that supports an understanding of the evolution of real places over time through a multiscalar perspective.

KEYWORDS:
Evolutionary Economic Geography; Regional development; Institutions; Networks