Exploring the intersection of natural and social sciences, the book delves into spatial interaction models through the lens of 'social physics.' It traces their origins, history, and relevance, emphasizing the necessity of a behavioral foundation for effective spatial systems analysis. The text highlights significant contributions from gravity and entropy theories, laying the groundwork for interaction models. Part A focuses on micro-based disaggregate choice models as essential tools for understanding spatial systems, advocating for a unified analytical framework across disciplines.
One aspect of the new economy is the transition to a networked society, characterized by a highly interconnected and complex system of networks that facilitate the movement of people, goods, and information. This includes an increasing reliance on telecommunications and information infrastructure within networked systems such as air transportation, electric power grids, and maritime transport. These networks possess both a spatial structure, existing in physical space, and an a-spatial dimension driven by information technology. They often function as components of larger, geographically integrated networks that operate at various spatial levels. Understanding these complexities is crucial for designing effective plans and policies aimed at optimizing the efficiency, performance, and safety of transportation, telecommunications, and other networked systems. Technological advances and economic forces that promote clustering to reduce transaction costs have resulted in more efficient network structures. However, the very characteristics that enhance efficiency also increase vulnerability; the removal of super-connected nodes, whether intentionally or through targeted attacks, can lead to significant disruptions within these networks.
As the twenty-first century unfolds, rapid transformations in political, economic, social, and technological spheres are reshaping our way of life, influencing information, communication, market dynamics, work styles, and leisure activities. These changes are expected to alter human behavior, challenging the 'fixed' parameters we once relied on. The interplay between internal structures and external influences, individual components and collective behavior, as well as multi-scale networks and interrelated dynamics, may reveal unpredictable spatio-temporal patterns. Consequently, academic research is increasingly tasked with developing new frameworks for understanding and forecasting these interacting structures across technical, organizational, social, economic, and political dimensions, while addressing concerns related to the emerging economy, environment, society, information, and technology. It is clear that social sciences, particularly spatial and economic studies, require innovative approaches and ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration. To explore these complex perspectives, we are entering a phase of methodological reflection rather than establishing robust theoretical foundations. This volume seeks to present an overview of these new insights and frontiers in theoretical and methodological studies, as well as research applications in the space-economy.
