Work

Buzz: face-to-face contact and the urban economy

Year: 2004

Type: article

Abstract: This paper argues that existing models of urban concentrations are incomplete unless grounded in the mostfundamental aspect of proximity; face-to-face contact. Face-to-face contact has four main features; it is anefficient communication technology; it can help solve incentive problems; it can facilitate socialization andlearning; and it provides psychological motivation. We discuss each of these features in turn, and developformal economic models of two of them. Face-to-face is particularly important in environments whereinformation is imperfect, rapidly changing, and not easily codified, key features of many creative activities.

Source: Journal of Economic Geography

DOI: 10.1093/jeg/4.4.351

Author: M. Storper

Institutions: Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris, London School of Economics and Political Science

Language: English

Topic: Regional Economics and Spatial Analysis

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: green

Funder: Economic and Social Research Council