Ryszard Domański

Abstract

The knowledge-economy system is so complicated that its description and analysis with the help of the calculus of correlations between inputs and outputs can only yield approximate results. These can be useful when arguing for an increase in research and development outlays, but tend to be disputed when passing from correlations to a cause-and-effect analysis, as critics demand elucidation of relationships between inputs and the outputs. The present author is of the opinion that the most practical way of solving this problem is to identify the structure of the model mapping the knowledge-economy system. If data necessary for a deterministic approach to modelling are missing, a probabilistic approach employing Markov chains be found to be useful. In the final part, the author suggests using neural networks, which make it possible to expand correlation links and hence to enlarge the basis of explanatory reasoning.

Keywords: knowledge-economy system, identification of model structure, intermediate layers of system, probabilities of change in system states, effects of changes in states

Ryszard Domański, Academy of Economics Poznań, Department of Spatial and Environmental Economics al. Niepodległości 10, 60-967 Poznań, Poland

Abstract

The author starts from the assumption that the idea of sustainable development will remain merely an attractive slogan of limited application if it is not given an operational form. It is therefore necessary to search for ways of making it operational. The author suggests two ways he considers promising: one inspired by the theory of economic development and the other by the theory of synergetics. To approach the targets of sustainable development, the present structure of ecological-economic systems requires a pro-ecological transformation. It follows from the theory of economic development that a necessary condition for such a transformation is the discontinuity of the functions of demand, production, saving, and straining and regeneration of the natural environment. Synergetics, in turn, suggests tracing the transition from micro-scale changes to macro-scale ones, and then the transition of complex systems from one level of complexity to another.

Keywords: operational definition of sustainable development, pro-ecological transformation of economic system, theory of economic development, theory of synergetics, ecological-economic information

Ryszard Domański, Academy of Economics Poznań, Department of Spatial and Environmental Economics al. Niepodległości 10, 60-967 Poznań, Poland

Abstract

The present article is an attempt to introduce conditions of sustainable development into a descriptive model of a heterogeneous geographical system. Issues considered include the consequences of the introduction of these conditions, a hypothetical path of sustainable development, and strategies aiming to implementation of this idea. In the description and reasoning, the conceptual apparatus of synergetics is used in a non-mathematical way.

Keywords: Descriptive model of geographical system, conditions of sustainable development, consequences of introduction of sustainability conditions, path of sustainable development, strategies of sustainable development

Ryszard Domański, Academy of Economics Poznań, Department of Spatial and Environmental Economics al. Niepodległości 10, 60-967 Poznań, Poland

Abstract

The main topic discussed is the change of spatial organization during the period of transition from a centrally planned to a market economic system. The economic reforms start, cause some temporal perturbations and conflicts then effect changes in the location and linkage patterns, hierarchical transformations and shifts in the spatial structure of the economy.

Keywords: economic transformations, self-organization theory, self-government, local initiatives, privatization of the former state-owned enterprises, infrastructural barriers

Ryszard Domański, Academy of Economics Poznań, Department of Spatial and Environmental Economics al. Niepodległości 10, 60-967 Poznań, Poland

Ryszard Domański, Academy of Economics Poznań, Department of Spatial and Environmental Economics al. Niepodległości 10, 60-967 Poznań, Poland

Ryszard Domański, Academy of Economics Poznań, Department of Spatial and Environmental Economics al. Niepodległości 10, 60-967 Poznań, Poland

Abstract

This paper investigates the variation of stability connected with the process ofcomplication of the organization of spatial systems.

Two basic notions used in the investigation are conceived here in a differentway than in standard systems analysis, although we base ourselves on it. Hence,they require new definitions. The notions are: stability and equilibrium. Stabilityis meant as the convergence with the state of equilibrium. A system is less stableif it diverges more from the state of equilibrium. By the equilibrium of a systemwe understand mutual adjustment of its subsystems (elements, connections). Theequilibrium, as it is conceived here, cannot be defined, however, in a unique way.It can be determined only by the comparison with the assumed reference system.We assume that the system is in equilibrium if its subsystems are adjusted in the sameor higher degree than that of reference system. In spatial context, the equilibriummeans the same or lesser spatial differentiation in comparison with the referencesystem.

Defined in this way, the equilibrium can be a desired state of spatial organizationof a system, and the investigation of instability can be essential for the determinationof intervention needed to direct the system towards the state of equilibrium.

Spatial systems considered in this paper are self-organizing in the sense ofPrigogine's theory. They are open and linked with the environment, far fromuniformity, and the interactions between their elements reveal nonlinearities.

Spatial organization complicates as the system develops. This implies the changeof its stability. The investigation of stability gives insight in important propertiesof spatial systems.

Although the investigation of stability against complexity was the starting pointof this paper, its final result turned out to be more significant from other pointof view. It enabled the modification of an acknowledged theorem of regionalscience.

Ryszard Domański, Academy of Economics Poznań, Department of Spatial and Environmental Economics al. Niepodległości 10, 60-967 Poznań, Poland

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is twofold. Firstly, it presents a dynamic model of spatial organization formed by three mutualy interdependent subsystems: subsystem of cities, subsystem of agricultural areas, and subsystem of transportation. The model is then tested by means of a computer. Secondly, it formulates and tests a model optimizing spatial organization. For the time being it is simple because the problem of optimization of spatial organization is less examined. Its intention is to encourage discussion and further progress in the field of joint optimization of cities, agriculture, and transportation.

Ryszard Domański, Academy of Economics Poznań, Department of Spatial and Environmental Economics al. Niepodległości 10, 60-967 Poznań, Poland

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is specification of theoretical conceptions, which may form construction elements of the model of dynamic organization of socio-eco-nomic space. There is a need for constructing such a model. It results from a trend towards steering of socio-economic processes in space and reshaping of spatial sys-tems of economy and society in order to give them direction corresponding with socio-economic objectives. Steering and reshaping in order to be effective and to lead towards an objective, should be based on knowledge of mechanism of processes and rules according to which spatial systems are organized. Hence, the theory of processes and dynamic organization of socio-economic space is needed.

Ryszard Domański, Academy of Economics Poznań, Department of Spatial and Environmental Economics al. Niepodległości 10, 60-967 Poznań, Poland

Ryszard Domański, Academy of Economics Poznań, Department of Spatial and Environmental Economics al. Niepodległości 10, 60-967 Poznań, Poland

Ryszard Domański, Academy of Economics Poznań, Department of Spatial and Environmental Economics al. Niepodległości 10, 60-967 Poznań, Poland

Ryszard Domański, Academy of Economics Poznań, Department of Spatial and Environmental Economics al. Niepodległości 10, 60-967 Poznań, Poland

Ryszard Domański, Academy of Economics Poznań, Department of Spatial and Environmental Economics al. Niepodległości 10, 60-967 Poznań, Poland