Alessandro Muolo

This groundbreaking textbook on territorial economics gives a valuable overview of economic dynamics, urbanization, and regional development. Representing a significant contribution to discipline, this book focuses on territorial economics, distinct from traditional regional economics frameworks. By examining space, regions, and cities as essential components of an ‘economics of places', the book explores the connections between applied economics and regional science. It covers the complexities of globalization and regionalization and emphasizes the increasing importance of territorial economics from both positive and normative viewpoints. The initial chapters of this textbook on territorial economics explore the concept of 'territory' in economic development and analyze regional economic systems' role in spatial planning. Subsequent chapters cover agricultural spaces, environmental sustainability, regional disparities, and land-use challenges. The book concludes with a focus on data sources, variables, and indicators essential for applied economics. Integrating urban studies, demographic dynamics, and environmental assessment, it provides a holistic view of economic dynamics and spatial planning. Territorial Economics serves as a vital resource for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students studying economic geography, urban studies, and related fields. It is also beneficial for researchers and professionals in territorial economics, urban planning, and environmental policy. This textbook offers additional resources such as case studies and spreadsheets to support student learning and facilitate classroom discussions.

This book identifies and discusses opportunities and constraints in applying the sustainability paradigm to urbanization. It integrates this wide concept with ‘local competitiveness’ and focuses on the role of both general and specific political action in shaping the economic structure of a region.By linking sustainability and local competitiveness within metropolitan regions, it offers an innovative exploration of urbanization processes. Moving beyond the usual institutional and regional economic approaches, the book integrates perspectives from economic geography, sociology, demography, ecology, and planning. It presents practical tools and real-world data, enabling readers to interpret and delve into new urban development paths. By exploring the interaction between urban sustainability and economic competitiveness, a framework is provided that supports informed policymaking decisions at local, regional, and national scales.This book is written for academics and students—from undergraduates to doctoral candidates—who want a clear, practical look at how local economies, sustainability, and competitiveness come together. It is also helpful for professionals, policymakers, and for anyone curious about how economic growth might become a long-term sustainable political goal.

This book identifies and discusses opportunities and constraints in applying the sustainability paradigm to urbanization. It integrates this wide concept with ‘local competitiveness’ and focuses on the role of both general and specific political action in shaping the economic structure of a region.By linking sustainability and local competitiveness within metropolitan regions, it offers an innovative exploration of urbanization processes. Moving beyond the usual institutional and regional economic approaches, the book integrates perspectives from economic geography, sociology, demography, ecology, and planning. It presents practical tools and real-world data, enabling readers to interpret and delve into new urban development paths. By exploring the interaction between urban sustainability and economic competitiveness, a framework is provided that supports informed policymaking decisions at local, regional, and national scales.This book is written for academics and students—from undergraduates to doctoral candidates—who want a clear, practical look at how local economies, sustainability, and competitiveness come together. It is also helpful for professionals, policymakers, and for anyone curious about how economic growth might become a long-term sustainable political goal.