This book represents a selection of contributions to the Regional Science Association, European Summer Institute, held at Arco, Lake of Garda, Italy, from 17th to 23rd July 1988 on the theme of 'Theories and policies of technological development at the local level'. As such it forms a complementary volume to the collection of invited papers entitled 'The Spatial Context of Technological Development', edited by Professors Riccardo Cappellin and Peter Nijk.amp, and published by Avebury/Gower. The Summer Institute covered a broad range of themes and contributions from over 100 researchers. It has therefore not been our intention to represent or replicate these themes directly, but to provide as wide an international coverage of current research in regional science in the field of technological change as possible. The papers to be found in this book are drawn from the European Community, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, North America and elsewhere. Inevitably, as the book was to be published in English, most of the editorial work has been undertaken at the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies at Newcastle University. In so doing, we have attempted to standardize the English as far as possible, whilst trying not to lose the characteristics of the styles of the individual authors.

This book represents a selection of contributions to the Regional Science Association, European Summer Institute, held at Arco, Lake of Garda, Italy, from 17th to 23rd July 1988 on the theme of 'Theories and policies of technological development at the local level'. As such it forms a complementary volume to the collection of invited papers entitled 'The Spatial Context of Technological Development', edited by Professors Riccardo Cappellin and Peter Nijk.amp, and published by Avebury/Gower. The Summer Institute covered a broad range of themes and contributions from over 100 researchers. It has therefore not been our intention to represent or replicate these themes directly, but to provide as wide an international coverage of current research in regional science in the field of technological change as possible. The papers to be found in this book are drawn from the European Community, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, North America and elsewhere. Inevitably, as the book was to be published in English, most of the editorial work has been undertaken at the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies at Newcastle University. In so doing, we have attempted to standardize the English as far as possible, whilst trying not to lose the characteristics of the styles of the individual authors.

Information Tectonics spatial organization in the electronic age The rapid development and diffusion of information technologies ? telecommunications, computers, the Internet ? is profoundly changing the character, and structure of interaction at the local, national and international level. Information technology is usually viewed as a technical issue, with analysis focusing on hardware, software and engineering concerns for efficient management and operation. Lost from much of the debate and discussion over information technology is the role of geography and the spatial context of information technology. To further understanding and knowledge of the spatial character and geographic impact of information technology, this volume addresses three key aspects of the phenomenon. Conceptualising electronic space and placing it into existing and developing theories of spatial and social interaction. What does electronic interaction mean for our theoretical and perceptual understanding of place and distance? Exploration of the geographic dimensions of electronic commerce, such as financial flows, securities trade, and the re-engineered multinational corporation. How do information technologies change economic and trading relationships? How do electronic relationships change people and places? Analysis of urban and regional development and IT, with emphasis on IT as a policy measure for urban development and regional growth. Can information technologies and intelligent cities provide the lives we want to lead? Contributor list Colin A. Arrowsmith Michael James Blaine Stanley D. Brunn Kenneth E. Corey David Gibbs Andrew E. Gillespie Stephen Graham John V. Langdale Tessa Morris-Suzuki Edward Mozley Roche Ranald Richardson Peter J. Rimmer Keith Tanner Steve Walker Barney Warf Mark I. Wilson

Many disciplines are concerned with manipulating geometric (or spatial) objects in the computer – such as geology, cartography, computer aided design (CAD), etc. – and each of these have developed their own data structures and techniques, often independently. Nevertheless, in many cases the object types and the spatial queries are similar, and this book attempts to find a common theme.

In fifteen insightful new essays noted scholars in geography, economics, and public policy provide a comparative examination of the problems and prospects for development in frontier areas. Blending theory with case studies, the essays challenge the widely held notion that peripheral areas are marginal or backward.