The article discusses whether the two distinctive con cepts of new industrial spaces and industrial districts are useful in explaining specific parts of regional indus trial development since about 1970. First, the two concepts are clarified and delimited, both in relation to each other and to some other closely linked con cepts. Second, the usefulness of the concepts is dis cussed with respect to three case studies. The cases are well-known industrial agglomerations (in the Norwegian context), with fairly numerous firms in the three flexible production sectors mentioned by Storper and Scott (1989). The two concepts can throw light on important aspects of development in these three examples. However, other elements can also be included in an interpretation of the cases.
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