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This book discusses "traditional features" of regional science, and topics such as innovation and agglomeration economies. It demonstrates that, contrary to recent assertions, both geography and institutions (or culture) are relevant for local development.

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The book aims to present "traditional features" of regional science (as geographical concepts and institutions), as well as relatively new topics such as innovation and agglomeration economies. In particular it demonstrates that, contrary to what has been argued by recent economics literature, both geography and institutions (or culture) are relevant for local development. In fact, these phenomena, along with the movement of goods and workers, are among the main reasons for persisting development differentials. These intriguing relationships are at the heart of the analysis presented in this book and form the conceptual basis for a promising institutional approach to economic geography.

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Introduction.- Space, Growth and Development: Globalization and Endogenous Regional Growth.- TFP Convergence Across European Regions.- Productivity and Local Workforce Composition.- Regional Growth in Central and Eastern Europe.- Some Practical Elements Associated with the Design of an Integrated and Territorial Place-Based Approach to EU Cohesion Policy.- Institutions and Culture: Cultural Diversity and Economic Performance.- The "bright" side of Social Capital.- How Institutional Differences Influence Entrepreneurship.- Academic Entrepreneurship and the Georgraphy of University Knowledge Flows in the UK.- Agglomeration Economies, the Location of Economic Activities and Innovation: Evaluating the Role of Clusters for Innovation and Growth in Europe.- Input-Output Linkages, Proximity to Final Demand and the Location of Manufacturing Industries.- Agglomeration and Labour Markets.- Firm Capabilities and Cooperation for Innovation.- Geography in Motion: Trade, FDI and Migrations: Assessing Regional Economic Performance.- The Long Run Interplay Between Trade Policy and the Location of Economic Activity in Brazil Revisited.- Environmental Standards, Delocalization and Employment.- Migrant Heterogeneity and Urban Development.- What Drives Chinese Multinationals to Italy?- Regional Development and Government Income Transfer Programs.

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