Regional development theory: Conceptual foundations, classic works, and recent developments

Abstract

This annotated bibliography gives an overview of the theoretical literature on regional economic growth and examines its conceptual foundations, major competing paradigms, and recent developments. The overview concludes with a discussion of the policy implications suggested by this body of theory. Throughout the review, three themes are emphasized: (1) the theoretical predictions regarding the convergence or divergence of per capita incomes across regions over time, (2) the assumptions regarding the importance of internal and external scale economies to regional economic growth, and (3) the role of space in shaping regional labor market outcomes.