Regional path dependence and path creation: a conceptual way forward

Path dependence has claimed its place as a core component of economic geography, but recently the concept has been criticized for the sole focus on external shocks and lock-ins. This critique has inspired scholarly work on new path development which gives great attention to endogenous pre-conditions for new path development. However, several shortcomings still exist. The main aim of this chapter is to enhance the concept of regional path dependence by suggesting a stronger role for human agency. This would address several of the remaining shortcomings. In order to move towards a more agency-centred view of regional path dependence, we have to take on a structure–agency approach, transcend the purely technological dimension of path dependence, shift from a few grand events to the activities of many agents and include both economic and public actors.