This optional subject is an in-depth study of Economic Geography, so it is necessary to have assimilated the basic concepts and competences of this subject. It is also related to Urban Planning, since economic activity continues to be located in the territory despite an advanced process of globalisation. This subject is integrated in the spatial planning module.



The subject "Production Spaces" consists of the analysis of the productive and spatial organisation of economic activities at local level in the regional, national and European Union context. Understanding the productive and spatial logic of the different economic sectors is essential to understand the role played by industrial estates and business parks in territorial planning at local, regional, national and global level.



From the point of view of employability, the competences acquired in this subject can be used by local development agents. Job position required in local development agencies, which is held by geographers among other professionals.

CB3 - Students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their area of study) in order to make judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues.

in order to make judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues.



Degree Competences.

G005 Explain the diversity of places, regions and locations and understand spatial relationships and processes. Interrelate phenomena at different territorial scales.



CM: Competences of the module (M02-Spatial Planning).

M02CM02: Ability to pose and solve problems through the application of acquired theoretical and technical knowledge.

M02CM04: Apply geographical knowledge to the analysis and diagnosis of the territory and its landscape.

1. Definition of production spaces.

1.1. Definition.

1.2. Typology.

1.3. Agglomeration economies and concentration of economic activity.

1.4. Production networks: from the local to the global scale.



2. Business structure and location.

2.1. Structure by business size and size of municipality.

Number of establishments, function and geographical distribution.

2.3. Business size and land occupation for economic activities.



3. Sectoral structure and clusters.

3.1. Sectoral classification.

3.2. Geographical distribution of sectors and tasks at intra-firm level.

3.3. Clusters and economic specialisation of the territory.



4. Local development and land for economic activities.

4.1. Local development and global competition.

4.2. Typology of municipalities, change in location and level of land occupation.

4.3. Effects and response to COVID-19. The sustainable and resilient challenge.



5. Statistical and cartographic sources and fieldwork.

5.1. Potential and shortcomings of information provided by regional, national and European statistical bodies.

5.2. GIS applications

5.3. Field practice.

- Explanation of basic concepts by the teacher and each student completes it with the recommended readings.

- In-class exposition of readings done outside the classroom by the student.

- Application of concepts through the realization of practical work tutored in teams of two people.

- The teacher and students carry out field practice. Before the field practice each student has to perform several tasks. The field practice is an opportunity to interrelate the theoretical part with reality.

• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • Written test to be taken (%): 50
  • Team projects (problem solving, project design)) (%): 40
  • Exhibition of works, readings ... (%): 10

The evaluation system is mixed. The 40% of the grade is assessed through the progress of the practical work done by the student. The 10% of the grade is assessed by the final delivery of the practical work. 50% of the grade is assessed by means of an exam.





It is necessary to pass the theoretical part and the practical part independently in order to pass the course. That is to say, in order to pass the course it is essential to obtain at least 2.5 points in the theoretical part and 2.5 points in the practical part.

In any case, the student will have the right to be evaluated through the final evaluation system, regardless of whether or not he/she has participated in the continuous evaluation system.



If due to exceptional circumstances (COVID-19) it were necessary to carry out the evaluation in a non face-to-face way, this would be done maintaining the above mentioned percentages and evaluation mode (both for mixed and non continuous evaluation). The exam and/or the delivery of assignments would be done online.

In the extraordinary call the conditions will be the same as in the ordinary call.



If due to exceptional circumstances (COVID-19) it were necessary to carry out the evaluation in a non face-to-face way, this would be done maintaining the above mentioned percentages and evaluation mode (both for mixed and non continuous evaluation). The exam and/or the delivery of assignments would be done online.

Barnes, T.J. & Christophers, B. (2018). Economic Geography : A Critical Introduction. Hoboken: NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Coe, N., Kelly, P. & Yeung, H.W.C. (2020). Economic geography: a contemporary introduction. Wiley-Blackwell.

Dicken, P. (2015). Global shift: mapping the changing contours of the
world economy. London/Los Angeles: Sage.

Basic bibliography

Alonso, M.P., Marques, T.S. & Santos, H. (2020). La Geografía de las redes económicas y la Geografía Económica en red. Ed.: Faculdade de Letras da Universidade do Porto, Asociación de Geógrafos Españoles (Grupo de Geografía Económica). https://doi.org/10.21747/9789898969460/ge.



Méndez, R. (2018). La telaraña financiera. Una geografía de la financiarización y su crisis. Santiago de Chile-Barcelona: Ril Editores. https://estudiosurbanos.uc.cl/libro/la-telarana-financiera-una-geografia-de-la-financiarizacion-y-su-crisis/



Méndez, R. & Caravaca, I. (1996). Organización industrial y territorio. Madrid: Síntesis.



Pike, A., Rodríguez Pose, A. & Tomaney, J. (2011). Desarrollo local y regional. Valencia: Universitat de Valencia.



Sánchez Hernández, J.L. & Albertos, J.L. coord. (2014). Geografía de la crisis económica en España. Valencia: Universitat de Valencia.

In-depth bibliography

Camagni, R. & Galleto, V. (2005). Economía urbana. Barcelona: Bosch.

Fernández Cuesta, G. & Fernández Prieto, J.R. (1999). Atlas industrial de España: desequilibrios territoriales y localización de la industria. Oviedo: Novel.

Fernández de Arróyabe et al (2006). “Aplicación de un sistema de información geográfica para localizar áreas industriales sostenibles” en 3º Congreso Internacional Ciudad y Territorio Virtual. Bilbao.

Méndez, R. & Pascual, H. (2006). Industria y ciudad en España: nuevas realidades, nuevos retos. Cizur Menor: Thomson-Civitas.

Méndez, R. edit. (2010). Estrategias de innovación industrial y desarrollo económico en las ciudades intermedias de España. Madrid: Fundación BBVA.

VVAA Infraestructuras tecnológicas. Soporte de la economía del siglo XXI. Ekonomiaz, nº 63.

Journals

Journal of Economic Geography.
Economic Geography.
European Urban and Regional Studies.

Web addresses

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/gisco

https://www.oecd.org/