THE GEOGRAPHY OF TRANSPORT SYSTEMS
| Theory | Main Argument |
| Neo-classical | Location subject to free market forces. |
| Behavioral | Behavior of individual business. Decisions are made with limited information. Sub-optimal location choice. |
| Institutional | External factors such as values and institutions. Mergers and acquisitions. |
| Economic base | Related to the export industries of a region. |
| Location factors | Specific location factors. Agglomerations of economic activity. Regional characteristics. |
| Cumulative causation | Upward spiral where success breeds success (lack of success can lead to a downward spiral). |
| Core-periphery | Regional functions. Relationships between core regions and peripheral ones. |
| Industrial district | Focus on networks, entrepreneurship, innovation, co-operation, flexible production and specialization. |
| Innovative milieu | Importance of the cultural and institutions (synergies among local actors which give rise to fast innovation processes). |
| Competitive advantage | Competition between locations subject to factors related to labor, energy, resources, capital as well as proximity to markets. |
Source: adapted from R.W. McQuaid et al (2004) The Importance of Transport in Business' Location Decisions, Department for Transport, http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_science/documents/pdf/dft_science_pdf_027294.pdf