Rethinking Regional Path Dependence: Beyond Lock-in to Evolution

Ronald Martin

No 910, Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) from Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography

Abstract: This paper argues that in its 'canonical' form, the path dependence model, with its core concept of 'lock-in, affords a very restrictive and narrowly applicable account of regional and local industrial evolution, an account moreover that is tied to problematic underpinnings based on equilibrist thinking. As such the canonical path dependence model actually stresses continuity rather than change. The paper goes on to explore recent developments in historical sociology and political science, where there are active attempts to rethink the application of path dependence to the evolution of institutions so as to emphasise change rather than continuity. These developments are used to argue for a rethinking of path dependence ideas in economic geography.

Keywords: path dependence; lock-in; equilibrium evolution; layering; conversion; adaptation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: B52 O18 R11 R12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 42 pages
Date: 2009-09, Revised 2009-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-geo and nep-his
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (15)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:egu:wpaper:0910

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