ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: This paper presents a theoretically driven mapping and statistical analysis of the economic structure of South Florida. Theoretical considerations are drawn from five themes – traditional economic base analysis, the “creative” city/class/economy, branding and tourism, economic cluster theory, and polycentricity – that guide the search and use of data. But, more importantly, the economic spatial structure is viewed as a multi-scalar analysis, including considerations from both “above” the region and “below” the region to make apparent the economic spatial structure itself. Furthermore, the methodology and data used are publicly available, thus reducing reliance on proprietary information. The major part of the analysis is focused on identifying and explaining the internal economic structure of the four major economic nodes. Results and conclusions are finally related to both the methodology as well as the South Florida region.
