Reconceptualizing the Functions of Economic Space in the Context of Spatial Complexity and Digital Economic Transformation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52575/2687-0932-2025-52-2-268-278Keywords:
territorial development, digitalization, spatial connectivity, regional integration, institutional changeAbstract
This article proposes a systematization and reinterpretation of the functions of economic space in the context of digitalization, institutional transformations, and the increasing complexity of spatial organization. It introduces a revised functional model that reflects contemporary trends in spatial development, including the growing importance of digital infrastructure, network-based interactions, and decentralized coordination. The paper identifies five key functions of economic space – the institutional, the coordinating, the connecting, the integrative, and the productive one – and analyzes their role under current spatial and economic conditions. Particular attention is paid to the dual impact of digitalization: on the one hand, it facilitates new forms of spatial agglomeration; on the other, it reduces dependence on physical infrastructure and enables more balanced development in peripheral regions. The proposed framework provides a conceptual basis for further research and the development of analytical tools for assessing spatial balance and informing territorial policy.
Acknowledgements: the study was prepared as part of the state task of NRU "BelSU" FZWG-2023-0014, the project topic is "Spatial-network interaction of Russian regions in the context of new challenges of technological development".
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Coyle D. 2016. The Political Economy of National Statistics. Economics Discussion Paper Series No. EDP-1603, The University of Manchester.
Giannakis E., Papadas С. 2021. Spatial Connectivity and Regional Economic Resilience in Turbulent Times. Sustainability, 13(20). DOI: 10.3390/su132011289.
Harrison D., Munksgaard K., Prenkert F. 2023. Coordinating Activity Interdependencies in the Contemporary Economy: The Principle of Distributed Control. British Journal Management, 34: 1488–1509. DOI: 10.1111/1467-8551.12650.
Marin V., Molinero C., and Arcaute E. 2024. The scalar mismatch of regional governance: a comparative analysis of hierarchical structures. Environment and Planning B, 51(9): 2126–2145. DOI: 10.1177/23998083241234405.
Porter M. 1998. Clusters and the New Economics of Competition. Harvard Business Review, 76: 77–90.
Richardson G. 1972. The Organisation of Industry. The Economic Journal, 82(327): 883–896. DOI: 10.2307/2230256.
Sutton J., Godwin A. 2022. Regional economic resilience: towards a system approach. Regional Studies, Regional Science, 9(1): 497–512. DOI: 10.1080/21681376.2022.2092418.
Vuong Q., Ho M., Nguyen H, Nguyen M. 2019. The trilemma of sustainable industrial growth: evidence from a piloting OECD’s Green city. Palgrave Communications, 5(156). DOI: 10.1057/s41599-019-0369-8.
Wang M., Zhang M., Chen H., Yu D. 2023. How Does Digital Economy Promote the Geographical Agglomeration of Manufacturing Industry. Sustainability, 15(2), 1727. DOI: 10.3390/su15021727.
Wright A.L., Irving G., Zafar A., Reay T. 2023. The Role of Space and Place in Organizational and Institutional Change: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Journal of Management Studies, 60: 991-1026. DOI: 10.1111/joms.12868.
Zhao X., Lan F, Zhang L. 2025. The impact of digital village construction on poverty vulnerability among rural households. Sci Rep 15, 9967. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-91928-7.
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