vekstpoleideen

The vekstpoleideen, or growth pole concept, is a regional development theory that posits that economic growth is not uniform across space but rather concentrated in specific locations or "growth poles." These poles, often urban centers or industrial complexes, are characterized by dynamic industries and innovation. The idea is that growth emanating from these poles will eventually spread to surrounding less developed areas through a process of diffusion.

Developed primarily by French economist François Perroux in the 1950s, the theory suggests that propulsive industries, those with significant backward and forward linkages to other sectors, are key to establishing a growth pole. Investment and development in these key industries attract labor, capital, and other resources, leading to increased economic activity. This concentration of activity then creates employment opportunities and stimulates demand, which can spill over into adjacent regions.

The vekstpoleideen has been influential in regional planning and policy. Governments have often sought to identify and foster potential growth poles through targeted investments in infrastructure, education, and industry. However, the effectiveness of this theory in practice has been debated. Critics point out that the diffusion of growth is not always automatic or equitable, and that some regions may be left behind if the linkages between the growth pole and its periphery are weak. The concept has evolved over time, with later iterations considering factors beyond just economic growth, such as social and environmental sustainability.