Research and development (R&D) is underestimated in services. This article combines deductive and inductive approaches to formulate a new definition of R&D. The proposed revision does not fundamentally alter the structure of the current OECD definition, which is only marginally amended by making...

This article puts forward an analysis of the incentives and development policies toward service activities as they are settled by the french Chambers of Commerce and especially by the Lille one. We try to improve our understanding of the place and role of these Chambers of Commerce in local...

In this paper, we put forward an analysis of local and regional incentives and policies toward service activities. After a first historical perspective, we adopt a typological approach which allows us to distinguish between four main policy orientations : policy toward the service providers,...

Cet article propose une présentation et une analyse des incitations et politiques locales et régionales de soutien aux activités de service. Après une mise en perspective historique, nous adoptons une démarche typologique qui permet de repérer quatre grandes orientations des politiques en...

<title>Abstract</title>In this special issue, we start from the proposition that space, its uses and transformations are multi-significant and that their study requires an interdisciplinary approach. However, the elaborate division of labour in the sciences has also led to the compartmentalization of knowledge...

<title>Abstract</title>Spatial quality is a contested notion due mainly to its uneven conceptualization and methodological translation across fields in which space is a key concern. This article presents the building up of an inter- and transdisciplinary methodological meta-framework to analyse, assess and...

This paper attempts to provide a clear perspective on defining the social economy today. It addresses the question of the relevance of a unifying concept with its need to embrace the existing diversity of approaches and concepts. To this end, it surveys both historical and contemporary academic...

'Agglomeration economies' remains a powerful concept in spatial analysis. However, in order to keep its full relevance for contemporary urban and regional systems, it must be completed in two ways. First of all, its qualitative nature, consisting of specific and general assets offered by the...