Landscapes and territory-specific economic bases

The objective of this paper is to assess the potential of the landscape as a factor for regional development. Using the economic base theoretical framework, economic sectors are differentiated according to their alleged sensitivity to amenities. The empirical analysis clusters French counties on the basis of landscape physical attributes and economic sectors, then estimates the amenity-related basic employment multiplier in three study areas located in the Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes regions. Results tend to show that spending behavior is related to landscape type.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Article assesses landscapes’ potential as a regional development factor. ▶ Economic activities differentiated according to traditional, presential, consumption bases. ▶ Amenity-related employment multiplier estimated in three French study areas. ▶ Spending behavior is related to landscape type.