AG1102 Economic Geography 7.5 credits

• Classic and modern theories on firms’ location decisions and on driving forces behind labour mobility, in terms of both migration and commuting
• Knowledge on agglomeration theory, dependence theory, industrial clusters and regional innovation systems
• Perspectives on regional development and processes in different phases of industrialization and in different communities
• The importance of infrastructure, culture and social capital for regional development
• Functioning of local labour and housing markets and processes in regional enlargement’, i e widened polycentric commuting areas
• Operational methods for design and evaluation of programmes for sustainable local and regional growth and development, building upon local and regional partnerships representing i a public authorities, the business community and organizations
• Regional programmes encompassing horizontal goals for gender equality, ecological sustainability and cultural diversity

The theoretical basis encompasses explanations to differential economic and social development in places and locations across Europe and the western world under the increasing globalization of trade patterns. How does this relate to and interact to developments in the rest of the world? How are decisions made by individuals and firms regarding localization and mobility? How could coordinated local programmes improve competitiveness, as well as economic, ecologic and social cohesion?

The project work in the course includes computer-aided problem solving related to the lectures. The projects include training in statistic analysis of regional population and industrial structure with the aid of regional analysis and forecasting models. The model approach results in policy-relevant and decision-relevant information for regional and local actors. GIS is implemented, including visualizing of results.

The literature seminar gives training and experience in reading and critical analysis of the content of scientific papers within the fields of local development, regional science and economic geography.

This course illuminates how industrial renewal, firms’ location choices and labour mobility impact on and interact with local and regional development.

After examination students will be able to:

• explain and apply theories on major forces behind local and regional development
• analyse social and economic processes in spatial development
• describe working methods for design and evaluation of programmes for local and regional development
• perform computer aided regional analyses

Natural Resources Theory, Mathematical Statistics, Economics for the Built Environment besides Graphic Information Systems.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• TEN2 - Examination, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• ÖVN1 - Project 1, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• ÖVN2 - Project 2, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Hans Westlund

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Building and Real Estate Economics, Urban Theory basic course, Urban and Traffic Planning basic course besides Traffic and Road Engineering basic course.