ABSTRACT
In the process of globalisation of the economy and society there is a risk that the regional debate will move into the perspective of a “passive space” approach. The analysis of spatial phenomena shows, however, that a region is the result of a “field of forces,” and can even be considered an “active space.” The author proposes the concept of “active space” as the regional scientists’ paradigm and an answer to the local-global debate. He defines the notions and the logic of the regional “active space” and suggests an outline of a model for theoretical analysis. The regional “active space” and its level of activity are presented as being the result of different mutually interrelated regulation processes, i.e. the functional spaces of firms in terms of market, production, and support space, as well as the rules and governance of the territoriality.
