Space and Economics: An Introduction to Regional Economics
Abstract
W. J. M. Heijman and R. A. Schipper Mansholt Publication Series Volume 7, Wageningen Academic Publishers, 2010 ISBN: 978-90-8686-097-5, 272 pages, Price: E40.00 (excluding VAT) (paperback) There are three fundamental questions concerning an introductory textbook: 1. Does the collected material give a sufï¬ciently large and understandable overview of the concerned area? 2. Does it ï¬t reasonably well for a term or a year teaching? 3. Would you use it for yourself? A glance at the table of contents of Heijman and Schipperâs book reveals extremely classical topics in regional economics ranging from the microeconomic foundations (land use and location theory) to the macroeconomic questions (trade, disparities, spatial equilibrium, etc.). To be honest, I was somewhat disappointed by the preface and the introductory chapter. First, my impression was that it reveals a rather outdated view of economic geography. Second, it fails to situate the present book in regard to several others that also âaim at integrating space in the area of general economics in an analytical wayâ, although generally at a more advanced level. Third, the term region is rather crudely introduced. As advocated by many scholars, administrative regions do not necessarily match functional research. I would have expected