Territorial factors and micro and small industrial businesses. A proximity dynamics perspective

Abstract

In order to study Micro and Small industrial businesses (MSIBs) and the territorial factors and relations which have an impact on their economic trajectory, it is necessary to construct a theoretical-methodological framework that accounts for the many aspects involved. The interest in this sort of study is legitimized by the fact that MSIBs are relevant factors in local development processes which imply the use of certain area's endogenous forces, which have a very strong territorial connotation. This connotation may be characterized by concepts such as identity and local commitment, regional interest, proximity interactions and local synergies. Taking the territorial factors into account, the approach through and analysis the interactions based on proximity dynamics is considered, from the geographical discipline, as one of the most productive.