Economic Frameworks for Flow Analysis

Abstract

This chapter outlines the idea of flows in terms of economic taxonomies and categorisations. It provides brief description of circular flow models, T-account analyses (e.g. GDP), industry and cluster classifications, trade and capital flow analyses (especially FDIs) and descriptions of flows of goods and materials. The idea is to popularise the approaches and conceptualisations of flows on the basis of the rudimentary concepts and models in mainstream economics. Beside this, this chapter briefly discusses interregional flow analysis developed by Walter Isard and the new geography of flows as presented within Ga WC research network led by Peter J. Taylor. This section thus provides conceptual tools needed to build a clear picture of flows that have economic value.