11-23, 12:35–12:40 (Australia/Melbourne), Short video submissions (View anytime)
Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is recognized as a promising research tool for uncovering complex causal processes, but to date there has been no systemic analysis of its operationalization in regional development contexts. This literature review provides a survey of twenty-six research papers which used QCA spatially to investigate the development of regional innovation systems, governance and inter-regional flows of knowledge, trade and investment. Specific attention was paid to the methods used, data, number of observations, identifying and measuring conditions, modes of analysis and calibration into set membership. This review then looks in greater detail at the means by which different studies include the dynamics of change over time. After drawing together some general observations about the usefulness of QCA for regional development questions, the conclusion suggests areas for further development of QCA in regional development.
Lionel Pengilley is a PhD candidate at UniSA who is completing his thesis on the dynamics of firm composition in troubled regions. He has an interest in qualitative comparative analysis and its potential to address questions in economic geography.