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This book explores the relationship between families, firms, and regions and

the extent to which these relationships contribute to regional economic and

social development.

Although family business participation in economic activities has been

a common phenomenon since pre-industrial societies, and its importance

has evolved throughout time and across spatial contexts, the book suggests

that these factors have often been neglected in family business and regional

studies. Taking this research gap into account, the book aims to deepen our

understanding of the role family firms play in the regional economy. In particular,

it explores two seldom studied questions. Firstly, what role do family

firms play in regional development? Secondly, how do different spatial regional

contexts shape family firm operations and performance?

Family Business and Regional Development presents a model of "spatial

familiness" and uses themes such as productivity, networks and competitiveness

to shed new light on family businesses. Moreover, it approaches the

juxtaposition between family business and regional studies to encourage the

cross-fertilisation of ideas, theories, and research methods between the two

fields.

Bringing together leading experts in entrepreneurship, regional economics,

and economic geography, this book will be a valuable reading for advanced

students, researchers and policymakers interested in family firms,

regional studies and economic geography.