Explaining the persistently uneven spatial patterns of development remains a central goal of economic geography and regional science. Recognizing that regional development is a process of ongoing change, many scholars now approach the topic from an evolutionary perspective that identifies knowledge recombination processes and institutions as key drivers of change. However, research has not yet fully integrated the various theoretical perspectives and empirical data streams that characterize evolutionary approaches. The present contribution identifies how an evolutionary approach centered on knowledge and institutions can be integrated with complementary forms of evidence gathered from a variety of sources to advance our understanding of regional development. Expanding and integrating the evidence base used to study regional change has important implications for making effective and responsive policy instruments.

中文翻译：

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注意差距：采用渐进的实证策略推进区域发展的进化方法

解释持续不平衡的发展空间格局仍然是经济地理学和区域科学的中心目标。认识到区域发展是一个持续变化的过程，许多学者现在从进化论的角度来探讨这一主题，这种进化论认为知识重组过程和制度是变化的主要驱动力。但是，研究尚未完全整合表征进化方法的各种理论观点和经验数据流。本文稿确定了以知识和体制为中心的进化方法如何与从各种来源收集的补充证据形式相结合，以增进我们对区域发展的理解。