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Towards the operationalization of a spatial economic theory for airport‐centric developments
Author(s) -
Mokhele Masilonyane
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
regional science policy and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.342
H-Index - 8
ISSN - 1757-7802
DOI - 10.1111/rsp3.12127
Subject(s) - operationalization , nexus (standard) , aviation , metropolitan area , regional science , computer science , engineering , geography , philosophy , archaeology , epistemology , embedded system , aerospace engineering
One focal point of the transportation‐land use nexus is the spatial economic analysis of economic activity that is located on airports and surrounds. However, the existing literature has at least in part a number of limitations, which call for improvements on the analysis of spatial economic forces that drive airport‐centric developments. It is therefore argued that considerations are necessary not only on the formulation of a theoretical framework analyzing the driving forces of airport‐centric developments, but importantly on the operationalization of the framework developed. The aim of this paper is thus to advance ways that the spatial economic theoretical framework for airport‐centric developments can be operationalized for planning purposes. The paper proposes two interrelated ways that the framework could be useful. On the one hand, the following elements need to be considered thoroughly in the investigations of airport‐centric developments: the nature and extent of the economic space; the propulsive economic characteristics; distance and proximity that airport‐centric firms utilize; and patterns of linkages, agglomeration and clustering of airport‐centric firms. On the other, the framework can be used to inform planning initiatives at four levels, namely airport environs and the broader metropolitan area; functional region; the broader country; and locations across international borders.