Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Walter Isard: A Visionary Scientist
Walter Isard's seminal contribution was the introduction of geographical
space into economic theory. He developed the general theory of Interregional
General Equilibrium of which Walrasian theory is a special case. He also
introduced the time variable into spatial economics borrowing ideas from
physics. His work in input-output analysis is also well known and he used this
concept in trade flows. The outline of the channels of synthesis in the last
chapter of his “Methods of Regional Analysis” topic hints at his long time
interest in the General Equilibrium model, which he formulated later. His
work on gravity and potential models opened new avenues in transportation
research. Isard was not only interested in theoretical model building. He had
also a great interest in empirically testing models.
In addition to his academic achievements, he had extraordinary organiza-
tional and administrative abilities, rare for an academic of his stature. He
established a graduate program in Regional Science, built the Regional Science
Association world-wide, and mentored a set of students who became renowned
scholars in their own right. He established the leading journal in the field, the
Journal of Regional Science. Although Walter did not work on econometrics
and economic development directly, he was very enthusiastic about these
topics. His encouragement to one of his students inspired the creation of a
new area of study, Spatial Econometrics. His support to scholars in developing
countries led also directly to new approaches in Regional Science in those
countries. Isard realized that the development of theories and methods is not
enough. He knew we would need data from all around the world to validate
theories. This conviction was why he was very supportive of Geographical
Information System (GIS). Isard's breadth of knowledge and interest was
particularly notable. He had great ideas in diverse fields like topology, fuzzy
set theory, metropolitan studies, nuclear energy, and many others. Isard spent
the later portion of his career in Peace Science where, in my judgment, his
contributions were equally significant as his seminal work in Regional Science.
Manas Chatterji
Binghamton University, Binghamton, USA
1.3
Spatial Interaction
Regional science is concerned with spatial structures and evolution of a complex
space-economy. It is driven by top-down and bottom-up movements, while it
exhibits at the same time slow and fast dynamics. In all cases, distance friction
(physical, economic, social, cognitive, or cultural) plays an intrinsic role, as was
argued by an early predecessor of regional science, Janˆwski (see also the English
topic translation,
2013
).
