Bernhard Truffer , Christian Binz , Johan Miörner , Xiao-Shan Yap
{"title":"Bridging the methodological divide: Inspirations from semantic network analysis for (evolutionary) economic geography","authors":"Bernhard Truffer , Christian Binz , Johan Miörner , Xiao-Shan Yap","doi":"10.1016/j.peg.2024.100033","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peg.2024.100033","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recent research in evolutionary economic geography addressing radical innovation and grand challenges has advocated for a shift in focus from single technologies and products toward interrelated configurations of technologies and institutions. This suggests moving beyond explaining innovation and industrial dynamics primarily by the existence of appropriate knowledge and capability stocks, to include institutional structures and the ability of actors to shape value-related dynamics. Despite an increasing suite of conceptual and empirical contributions to this extended agenda, its methodological underpinnings have not yet received sufficient attention. A particularly thorny issue is how to bridge quantitative assessments of related knowledge stocks with qualitative process reconstructions of regional development pathways. To bridge the methodological divide, we present a recent approach developed in transition studies – socio-technical configuration analysis and elaborate on how it may inform salient research problems in economic geography.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101047,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Economic Geography","volume":"3 1","pages":"Article 100033"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143173973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Blockchain real estate: The messy landing of digital property","authors":"Matthew Zook, Michael McCanless","doi":"10.1016/j.peg.2025.100039","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peg.2025.100039","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper analyzes the bridging of digital-based crypto capital with one of the most long-standing and material parts of the economy, real property. Specifically, it uses two cases focused on US-based efforts to use blockchain to fractionalize the ownership and administration of land and housing. We frame this paper around the disconnect between rhetorics of frictionless capital and their dependence on the materiality of real property. Thus, rather than being exclusively a technology for transparency and investment (as proponents stress) blockchain engagements with the materiality of real estate embroiled within centuries long processes of dispossession, predation and exploitation. The two case studies are CityDAO, an online business/community focused on building the “crypto city of the future” holding two rural parcels of land in Wyoming and Colorado, and RealT, a fractional, tokenized real estate platform that invests in rental housing, using Section 8 vouchers as a means of ‘bridging’ global crypto-capital into the materiality of Detroit’s housing market.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101047,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Economic Geography","volume":"3 1","pages":"Article 100039"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143684551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bioeconomy innovation within traditional value chains: The example of the sugar industry in three European regions","authors":"Max Mittenzwei , Daniel Schiller","doi":"10.1016/j.peg.2024.100035","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peg.2024.100035","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Innovation is seen as the critical driver of a sustainable bioeconomy, but its success depends on sector specific factors and value chain configurations. The agri-food sector is characterised as being low-tech with a high centralisation of power within the value chain, which might be a barrier to innovation and the implementation of sustainable bioeconomy principles. Based on empirical findings from the sugar industry in three European regions, we argue in this paper that neither a lack of innovation, nor a purely hierarchical implementation of innovations can be unanimously supported. Evidence can be found for biomass producers that are very open to innovation and who are embedded in quite diversified regional knowledge production and diffusion systems. Nevertheless, sustainability concerns do not tend to be the main drivers of innovation in the sugar industry and innovation remains incremental. It is seen as more critical to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and add more value from side streams. As an implicit result, however, the associated innovations also promote the implementation of principles of a sustainable bioeconomy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101047,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Economic Geography","volume":"3 1","pages":"Article 100035"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143176258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cryptocurrencies, a controversial innovation? Unpacking argumentation analysis in economic geography","authors":"Yannick Eckhardt, Johannes Glückler","doi":"10.1016/j.peg.2024.100032","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peg.2024.100032","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this paper, we analyze the global controversy surrounding the innovation of cryptocurrencies, developing an analytical framework to assess the empirical structure of arguments. By unpacking an argumentation analysis of a comprehensive set of scholarly, media, and industry publications, we identify six key dimensions of disagreement, comprising 42 distinct arguments. These dimensions include the raison d’être, environmental impact, social inclusion, susceptibility to illegal activities, economic impact, and potential for decentralization and democratization. Our findings reveal entrenched positions supported by robust scholarly research and empirical evidence. Cryptocurrencies represent a controversial innovation, for which global resolution remains elusive. While the controversy may appear unbounded, we plead for a geographical approach, emphasizing that localized institutional contexts are crucial for exploring potential trajectories of the controversy. Finally, our analysis illustrates the potential of argumentation analysis to properly disentangle complex societal disagreements, and it therefore promises to enrich the methodological pluralism in economic geography</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101047,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Economic Geography","volume":"3 1","pages":"Article 100032"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142723717","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Growing pains in upscaling: A constructive technology assessment of sea lice treatment innovations in the stagnating Norwegian aquaculture regime","authors":"Casper Friederich, Matthijs Mouthaan, Koen Frenken","doi":"10.1016/j.peg.2024.100030","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peg.2024.100030","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Innovations that scale up, often have unintended, adverse effects. Dealing with adverse effects is especially challenging in bioeconomy transitions, in which the large-scale deployment of innovations may generate severe environmental damages. This study looks at the case of Norwegian aquaculture which has been embraced as a model to revitalize rural livelihoods and foster regional development in coastal areas, but currently faces stagnation. The main cause for the industry’s stagnating development is a parasitic sea lice, which treatments have adverse effects on ecology and fish welfare. We perform a Constructive Technology Assessment (CTA) involving diverse stakeholders in a Multi-Criteria Mapping (MCM) exercise on the viability, opportunities, and risks of different treatment options to cope with sea lice in Norwegian aquaculture. We find that this method is well-suited to identify diverse anticipatory views on possible solutions to the sea lice problem, allowing decision-makers to identify more democratic, holistic, and sustainable pathways to upscale the bioeconomy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101047,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Economic Geography","volume":"3 1","pages":"Article 100030"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142702760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Plotting cryptoeconomic imaginaries and counterplotting the network state","authors":"Jillian (Lee) Crandall","doi":"10.1016/j.peg.2024.100028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peg.2024.100028","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this paper I critically conceptualize and analyze what I call “cryptoeconomic imaginaries” in economic geography via Sylvia Wynter’s concept of “plotting” as praxis. I define “cryptoeconomic imaginaries” as the multiple contesting ways in which blockchains and cryptocurrencies are used as a core plot device in reimagining, reshaping, rewriting economic relationships with people, ecologies, spaces, and temporalities. In addition to opening the potential to dream new economic futures, blockchain also has the potential to conscript people to imagine new futures under the parameters of cryptoeconomics, and/or foreclose certain futures from coming into being. The main goal of this paper is to present (counter)/plot work as a conceptual theoretical framework and geographic method of analysis for critical scholars to better understand cryptoeconomic imaginaries, their varied socio-spatial implications and power-geometries to question how future economic plots may come into being and who stands to benefit, specifically in the context of “network state” connected projects funded by Promonos Capital. I propose (counter)plot work as a method to examine: 1) plotting as narrative/literary/rhetorical formation of cryptoeconomic imaginaries; and 2) cryptoeconomic imaginaries plotting the development of literal plots of land and crypto cities. I conclude by suggesting counterplotting as decolonial praxis for (post)plantation refusals of land monopoly, resisting extractive development, and a way to value to land and lives outside of pure profit motive, as inspired by ongoing grassroots activism and community coalitions against cryptocolonialism in Puerto Rico</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101047,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Economic Geography","volume":"3 1","pages":"Article 100028"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142654381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring the spatial dynamics of circular economy transitions: Insights and lessons from Chile's mining territories","authors":"Konstantin Born","doi":"10.1016/j.peg.2025.100041","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peg.2025.100041","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper investigates the spatial dynamics of Circular Economy (CE) transitions in mineral resource-dependent regions. The research addresses a gap in the CE literature’s understanding of the influence of spatial factors in CE transitions, which is dominated by empirical studies of industrialised regions with mature industrial ecosystems. As a result, our current understanding of CE transitions arguably relies heavily on cases with spatial configurations of economic activities characterised by high levels of territorial development and existing industrial agglomerations that exhibit strong linkages. Using Chile’s mining territories as a case study, the paper explores how the unique spatial configurations of resource-dependent regions influence their ability to transition to more circular modes of production. These regions are often characterised by economic enclavism and weak local linkages, which shape their ability to transition to more circular modes of production. Through semi-structured and focus group interviews with industry leaders, policymakers, and academics, the study identifies three distinct spatial dimensions that impact regions’ ability to adopt CE strategies and practices: (1) the configuration of physical infrastructure and production locations; (2) the prevalent value system and patterns of cooperation; (3) the diversity of regional industrial capabilities and production networks. The study concludes that overcoming spatial and institutional barriers in enclave economies is essential to fostering sustainable industrial ecosystems and accelerating CE transitions. It contributes to the literature on the spatial dimensions of sustainability transitions and advocates for targeted regional development strategies to promote circular practices in resource-dependent areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101047,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Economic Geography","volume":"3 1","pages":"Article 100041"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143864931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of real estate in the development of cities and regions: Territorial real estate and economic systems","authors":"Olivier Crevoisier , Thierry Theurillat , Mathias Rota , Alain Segessemann , Anaïs Merckhoffer","doi":"10.1016/j.peg.2025.100040","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peg.2025.100040","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Real estate has never played such a central role in the development of cities and regions. Yet, paradoxically, it has never been integrated into theories of territorial development. This article contributes to filling this theoretical gap. It proposes the concept of Territorial Real Estate and Economic Systems (TREES) to capture how the urban built environment and its financial dimension interact with the dominant activities of a region. The case of Switzerland is used to empirically delimitate relevant TREEs within a specific national context based on a qualitative analysis. Eight types of clusters are identified for Switzerland to show the diversity of roles played by real estate within the same country, both as induced by territorial development and as a catalyst of it.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101047,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Economic Geography","volume":"3 1","pages":"Article 100040"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143855946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cloud countries and exit geographies","authors":"Jeremy W. Crampton","doi":"10.1016/j.peg.2024.100031","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peg.2024.100031","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, digital technology companies and Silicon Valley technologists have pursued virtual “start-ups” or “cloud countries.” For their promoters, these new digital realms are designed to provide an offramp, known as an exit, from mainstream forms of governance, democracy, and finance. These territories will be located online or within the blockchain. In this paper I first examine the politics of this development by placing it into the larger context of alt-right and neoreactionary (NRx) thinking. In the second part, I examine the specific digital geographies of one set of projects known as “network states,” a project of the tech entrepreneur and Bitcoin maximalist, Balaji Srinivasan. For this I draw on work that situates how digital geographies of exit “render” value for the “growth machine” under conditions of rentier capitalism. Taken together, it is now clear that tech entrepreneurs are no longer content to use digital exit geographies just to provide economic returns, but to acquire political power and influence. In the Conclusion, I discuss how analysis of exit geographies can contribute to how digital political economies improve theorizations of exit, and highlight how network states depend on a growth machine model.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101047,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Economic Geography","volume":"3 1","pages":"Article 100031"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143173972","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A role for economic geographers in the entrepreneurial ecosystem framework: Global pipelines and the mobility challenge","authors":"Jan Jacob Vogelaar , Shiri Breznitz","doi":"10.1016/j.peg.2025.100037","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.peg.2025.100037","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Entrepreneurial ecosystems have emerged as an influential framework for understanding the spatial dimensions of entrepreneurship. Beyond offering an analytical lens, the framework’s promise lies in its potential as an ‘actionable framework’ to guide regional actors in strengthening ecosystems. This short paper argues that the framework suffers from two key shortcomings that must be addressed to realize this potential. First, ecosystem actors must overcome regional constraints by building global pipelines to access resources beyond their immediate sphere of influence. Second, they need to address the challenge of retaining key actors, such as graduates and high-growth firms, which may relocate. These shortcomings present opportunities for economic geographers to contribute empirical and theoretical insights that enhance the framework’s actionability. We conclude that, despite these challenges, ecosystem actors have a reason for optimism. The growing recognition that different entrepreneurial ecosystem configurations support various types of entrepreneurships offers regional actors new perspectives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101047,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Economic Geography","volume":"3 1","pages":"Article 100037"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143562213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}