Functional specialization across space: a case study of the Canadian Electricity Industry, 1971–2001 |
| |
Authors: | CÉDRIC BRUNELLE MARIO POLÈSE |
| |
Institution: | Spatial Analysis and Regional Economics Laboratory (SAREL), INRS—Urbanisation, Culture et Société, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2X 1E3 |
| |
Abstract: | This article examines the location of functions within the electricity sector in Canada from 1971 to 2001, using a centre‐periphery model. Power generation, distribution and retailing are generally carried out by multiestablishment crown corporations. Location patterns of different functions—management, scientific, production, etc.—are analyzed via the use of occupational groups. The spatial distribution of functions is found to be generally consistent with centre‐periphery relationships, with evidence of a growing functional specialization between large metropolitan and nonmetropolitan locations. However, differences emerge depending on power generation sources: fossil fuels, hydro, nuclear, solar or biomass. The choice of a power generation source has consequences for local economies. |
| |
Keywords: | intraindustry location patterns spatial structures of organizations functional specialization centre‐periphery spatial division of labour electricity sector sché mas de localisation intra‐industriels structures spatiales des organisations spé cialisation fonctionnelle centre‐pé riphé rie division spatiale du travail secteur de l'é lectricité |
|
|