The basic: Service categorization in planning

Abstract

Massey D. B. (1973) The basic: service categorization in planning, Reg. Studies 7, 1–15. This paper aims to clarify and evaluate in a planning and policy-making context the concept of the categorization of a region's industry into basic and service. It is pointed out that the categorization is used in a number of different frameworks, and that the criteria for definition in each of these are sometimes confused. The two major sets of criteria—locational characteristics and export base theory—are then evaluated, first in a standard theoretical manner, secondly in a technical/operational context (that of the Lowry model), and lastly in a specifically policy-oriented context. The aim is to illustrate three potential levels of inadequacy or bias. The first two, theoretical shortcomings and difficulties of practical implementation, are discussed with emphasis on their important feedback relationship: decisions made to ease practical application affect theoretical implications. At the third level, there is an attempt to illustrate the fact that any theory which is selected for use in planning has an important policy-evaluative role.