PRODUCTIVE AGGLOMERATIONS AND SUSTAINABILITY

A PERTINENT DIALOGUE FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN A BORDER ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The objective of this study is to comprehend the conceptual logic of industrial districts, milieux innovateurs and industrial clusters through theoretical perspectives in environmental economics. As a theoretical framework, we used foundations of Productive Agglomerations, Sustainability, the Border Strip subregion, and Environmental Economics (Environmental Neoclassical Economics and Ecological Economics). Regarding the methodological aspects, this study consists of a reflective theoretical essay developed from qualitative research, using bibliographical research and content analysis for data processing and organization. The results show interpretations in the sense that, from a theoretical point of view, industrial districts, milieux innovateurs and industrial clusters (productive agglomerations) are aligned with the assumptions found in environmental economics (Mainstream Neoclassical Economics), to the detriment of the theoretical concepts in ecological economics. However, environmental neoclassical economics and ecological economics converge in the understanding that scientific and technological progress are fundamental to increase efficiency, in general, in the use of renewable and non-renewable natural resources. Therefore, rethinking the way in which goods and services are produced and consumed becomes relevant in discussions and in the sustainability of actions incorporated into the development process of regions. Thus, in times of climate change and increasingly urgent concerns regarding the environment, it is essential that scientific and awareness-raising efforts be carried out more effectively by people and institutions, towards more inclusive and sustainable development.