Handbook on Entropy, Complexity and Spatial Dynamics: A Rebirth of Theory?

This ground-breaking Handbook presents a state-of-the-art exploration of entropy, complexity, and spatial dynamics from fundamental theoretical, empirical and methodological perspectives. It considers how foundational theories can contribute to new advances, including novel modeling and empirical insights at different sectoral, spatial, and temporal scales.

With the help of leading experts worldwide, the Handbook examines how and to what extent entropic and non-entropic forces and processes in complex spatial socio-economic systems shape and are shaped by their structure and dynamics. Moreover, considering current concerns that big data and related data-driven methods may signal an end to theory, this Handbook is intended to investigate the potential and possibilities for complexity science to engage, revitalize, and advance theory in spatial economics. Overall, this Handbook reaches beyond qualitative generalizations, contributing to the identification of fundamental structural and dynamic properties of the complex space-economy.

Drawing upon diverse foundations and perspectives, the Handbook on Entropy, Complexity and Spatial Dynamics: A Rebirth of Theory? will be an essential resource for researchers and students of many fields and disciplines, including economics, urban planning and geography, regional science, information science, physics, and biology.

Edited by Aura Reggiani, Professor of Economic Policy, University of Bologna, Italy, Laurie A. Schintler, Center for Regional Analysis, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, US, Daniel Czamanski, The Philip & Ethel Klutznick Center for Urban and Regional Studies, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Israel and Roberto Patuelli, Department of Economics, University of Bologna, Italy