Resources in economic geography : from substantive concepts towards a relational perspective

Resources are crucial for the technological and economic development of firms in spatial perspective. In this paper we contrast two ways of conceptualizing resources, and argue that a conventional, substantive understanding implies a number of shortcomings which can be overcome through the applicati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environment and planning. A 2005-09, Vol.37 (9), p.1545-1563
Main Authors: BATHELT, H, GLÜCKLER, J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bgi / Prodig
Business economics
Business strategies
Discourse
Economic geography
Economic resources
Economic theory
Human geography
Knowledge
Natural resources
Political and economic geography
Power
Regional economics
Social capital
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Summary:Resources are crucial for the technological and economic development of firms in spatial perspective. In this paper we contrast two ways of conceptualizing resources, and argue that a conventional, substantive understanding implies a number of shortcomings which can be overcome through the application of a relational conception of resources. In examining four types of resources—material resources, knowledge, power, and social capital—our argument is that resources are constituted in a relational way in two aspects. First, resources are relational in that their generation, interpretation, and use are contingent. This depends on the particular institutional structures and social relations, as well as on the knowledge contexts and mental models of the agents involved. Second, some types of resources, such as power and social capital, are also relational because they cannot be possessed or controlled by individual agents. They are built and mobilized through day-to-day social practices. Individuals or groups of agents may appropriate the returns, but not the resources themselves. We conclude that a relational concept reflects the contextual and interactive nature of the selection, use, and formation of resources. This offers new insights into the explanation of heterogeneity in firm strategies and trajectories, as well as regional differences in the development of localized industry configurations, such as clusters.
ISSN:0308-518X
1472-3409
DOI:10.1068/a37109