Regions and the New Economics of Competition

Abstract

Abstract This conference, in which so many interesting people have come together to explore the intersection of geography, competition, the environment, and society, comes at a time in the world economy that is puzzling to many observers. The process of globalization seemingly should make location and regions less important, but it appears to be doing just the opposite. Many government and company leaders are struggling to understand what it all means. Is there a role for national or state governments? What is that role? Should companies worry about where they locate operations and take a proactive role in their communities, or is that obsolete thinking? There are some very substantial changes underway in the nature of com petition, the sources of competitiveness, and the principles of economic policy. These changes have been underway for some time, but only recently are they becoming evident. What is the new agenda they are defining? What roles does it suggest for companies, governments, and other institutions? This chapter aims to describe the outlines of this new economics of competition and the prominent role that regions and cities play in it.