Growth pole spillovers: the dynamics of backwash and spread

Abstract

Richardson H. W. (1976) Growth pole spillovers: the dynamics of backwash and spread, Reg. Studies 10, 1–9 Growth pole strategies have been abandoned or weakened in many countries because of their failure to generate area-wide development. This paper uses the theory of spread and backwash to suggest that net positive spillovers will not be created around a growth pole in the early years of its implementation, and very long time horizons are needed for a successful strategy. It is also shown that the incidence of spread and backwash over space is asymmetrical, a finding that may have far-reaching spatial planning implications. Suggestions are offered on how the spillover model may be tested.