Spatial implications of digitization: State of the field and research agenda

Abstract

Digitization is an influential megatrend that is quickly and comprehensively transforming economic spaces worldwide. Its disruptive power has not yet been fully developed but, despite a lack of topical empirical or theoretical research, it nevertheless seems clear that it will significantly affect the economic order within and between economic spaces and places. Currently, digitization is high on the policy agenda in many countries. Several related programs and initiatives combine expansion and improvement of digital infrastructure with efforts to reduce spatial economic inequality and to facilitate a general catch-up process for lagging (often rural) regions. However, the idea that digitization can reduce spatial inequality remains highly controversial. This study aims to focus on the economic geography implications of digitization and to enrich the existing literature in two ways. First, the study overviews the state of research on the spatial consequences of digitization. Deploying a comprehensive literature review, this section discusses the primary theoretical and empirical results from two contradictory narratives on the ability of digitization to reinforce the death of distance and thus reduce spatial inequality. Second, we develop a research agenda concerning select fields of research that could appropriately be addressed in the future by economic geographers. These fields include spatial economic digitization effects, digital competencies, entrepreneurial activities, and innovation activities in both urban and rural regions. Closing the research gaps would contribute to the development of much-needed policy measures. © 2020 The Authors. Geography Compass published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.