Regional Dev Author list (institutions)

Question 1

Rodrik (2004)

Answer 1

Introduced ‘absorptive capacity’: the ability of regions to benefit from external investment and knowledge. Argues that strong institutions are more important than trade or FDI for sustained growth.

Question 2

North (1990)

Answer 2

Defined institutions as formal/informal rules structuring human interaction. Emphasised their role in reducing uncertainty and shaping long-run economic outcomes.

Question 3

Coe & Yeung (2015)

Answer 3

Introduced ‘strategic coupling’: regional success depends on how well local institutions align with global firm strategies. Emphasises institutional embeddedness in GPNs.

Question 4

Rodríguez-Pose (2013)

Answer 4

Argues that institutional quality explains regional disparities in development. Poor governance undermines potential, even where economic fundamentals are strong.

Question 5

Pike, Rodríguez-Pose, & Tomaney (2017)

Answer 5

Emphasise multi-dimensional, context-sensitive development. Institutions are key to shaping inclusive, place-sensitive policies.

Question 6

Yeung (2015)

Answer 6

Advocates for ‘mid-range theories’—flexible yet grounded approaches that acknowledge the role of institutional context in shaping regional outcomes.

Question 7

Frenken (2007)

Answer 7

Links regional diversification to related variety and innovation capacity, which rely on strong institutional support like education and R&D.

Question 8

Storper (1997)

Answer 8

Highlights informal institutions—trust, norms, networks—as ‘relational assets’ that underpin regional innovation and competitiveness.

Question 9

Acemoglu, Johnson & Robinson (2001)

Answer 9

Colonial institutions created long-term divergence: inclusive institutions support development; extractive ones entrench inequality.

Question 10

Dicken (2011)

Answer 10

Emphasises the embeddedness of MNEs within local institutional contexts. Institutions influence how value is created and captured in global production.