Economic Geography

What is the capacity for mobility and flexibility in labour markets?
‘Mobility’ and ‘flexibility’ are central to the adaptive capacity of regional and local
economies. They are crucial components of a ‘healthy’ labour market with the capa-
bility for individuals and firms to move up the skills and value chain and adjust to
change. Conversely, it is necessary also to understand the physical, technological and
social constraints on mobility in the labour market that leave the weakest behind.
Issues of ‘mobility’ and ‘flexibility’ arguably take on renewed importance
given two important and related challenges facing advanced economies (in Western
Europe, in particular). The first is that posed by demographic change. In the light
of low fertility and an ageing population, geographers and labour market analysts
face important new questions relating to demography, labour supply and the role
of immigration. The second is that posed by the forces identified by Friedman
(2005) as ‘flattening’ the world at an unprecedented rate. So important related
sub-questions include: What are, and what will be, the impacts of advanced tech-
nologies, outsourcing, offshoring, etc., for local, regional, national and interna-
tional labour markets? And, Where is the dividing line between ‘healthy’ and
‘unhealthy’ mobility and flexibility?
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