Geoscience Reference
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Fig. 2.1
A triple-layer activity space of the spatial economy
It should be added that the interplay of space and time is critical for a proper
understanding of regional and urban dynamics. This interplay may exhibit both
slow and fast dynamics, a space-time evolution based on interactive forces among
all agents in space. This calls for the design and application of both conceptual and
operational space-time models. Furthermore, several new contributions can be
found in the interpretation of both space and time as continuous dimensions, rather
than as discrete entities. As a result of advances in mathematical analysis of and
statistical data bases on regional systems, we witness also a further generalization in
spatial analysis by the inclusion of continuous space next to discrete space (see also
Oud et al.
2012
). The level of sophistication of spatial analysis has no doubt
drastically increased over the past decades [see e.g. the Handbook of Regional
Science by Fischer and Nijkamp (
2013
)].
The playing ground of actors in regional science is occupied by economic agents
and institutions. Thus, the real-world spatial (regional or urban) action platform in
regional science exhibits patterns of location, allocation, accessibility and connec-
tivity. This leads altogether to a Multi-level Activity Space that can be mapped out
in three layers (see Fig.
2.1
).
The central middle layer in Fig.
2.1
represents the spatial action platform where
all forces (horizontal and vertical) come together. This is a complex force field
influenced by individual agents (space users) and collective governance bodies. The
role of the latter bodies may be partial and sectoral ('management in space') or
comprehensive and integrated ('management of space'). Clearly, in a dynamically
evolving system also space-time elements may have to be added. Agents and
institutions altogether then create a dynamic interactive spatial-economic force
field.
