Journal Article

Size Matters: Why Regional Science Needs to Think Bigger

Gibson, Lay James

2000

Overview

As regional scientists we are preoccupied with our scientific work, and this is as it should be. But from time to time it is worthwhile to step back and think about the business of regional science-the organizations that hold us together, the publications that help us build a body of knowledge, and the meetings that give us a sense of community. When these topics come up, the conversation usually focuses on concerns about new and innovated research strategies, about research quality, and about scientific rigor. The idea, of course, is that if we are good scientists the rest will take care of itself. This is a noble idea and a naive one. In the competitive environment that we operate in we cannot, I think, operate as a boutique field indefinitely. If we do not get bigger, we run the risk of getting lost in the shuffle. I am convinced that size really does matter.

• Publisher: Southern Regional Science Association