The structuration of relational space: Implications for firm and regional competitiveness

► Structuration theory is used to explore concepts of proximity in a qualitative study of a peripheral region of England. ► A conceptual framework is built around the processes of proximation and distanciation. ► Competitively generative proximation processes are found to be the most prominent in the region. ► Important enduring relational states are identified and elaborated, notably regional loyalty and relational isolation. ► A method of process theorizing is advanced to expose the interplay between agency and structure.