Abstract：On basis of author's research experience of near two decades, this paper critically summarizes the ideas on innovative research in geography and relevant disciplines and proposes strategies to produce better research outcomes in economic geography. To improve the current situation of lacking innovative publications in economic geography in mainland China, six approaches are suggested. Firstly, establishment of a solid data base, in particular, with long time serials and small scale, is essential for carrying on insightful research. The sharing of research data, by setting up a Chinese economic geography data network via internet, should be placed on the agenda. Secondly, adoption of innovative research methodologies is the key to produce successful outcomes. The use of GIS, remote sense and other geo-computation techniques by economic geographers is more likely to upgrade research quality. Thirdly, employment of sharp perspectives to develop critical augments appears particularly significant for Chinese economic geographers. Consequently this has resulted in a uniform format in many economic geography publications. Fourthly, the creation of environment to promote birth of new ideas should be encouraged. This environment may include the innovative atmosphere, accessibility of updated references, advanced equipment, and more importantly, critical discussion and debating. The criticism in academic viewpoints among economic geographers should be particularly promoted. Fifthly, the scientific way of doing research should be established to improve linkages and interaction among different kinds of knowledge. The current status that young scholars, without doing enough fundamental research, rush their writing papers for publication for academic promotion, certainly jeopardizes sustainability in scientific findings. Finally, specific(unique) geographic phenomena are selected to deduce influential academic findings. In current China, the following themes appear significant in economic geography research-the relationship between huge population and limited natural resources, the spatial environment diversity and large disparity of regional economic development, fast growth of rural industry and its dispersed location, large amount of foreign direct investment and its impact on regional development, the reform of state-owned enterprises and its regional implication, and social networks, personnel linkages and their role in regional innovation systems.
李小建. 试论经济地理学的研究创新[J]. 人文地理, 2002, 17(2): 1-4.
LI Xiao-jian. INNOVATIVE RESULTS IN ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY RESEARCH IN CHINA. HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, 2002, 17(2): 1-4.
