Spatial Layers and Spatial Structure in Central and Eastern Europe

This paper analyses the special features that characterise the spatial structure of Central and Eastern Europe, a region still in the phase of transformation. This topic has already been discussed by numerous authors (Gorzelak 1997, Rechnitzer et al. 2008); the corresponding studies have identified both greater and lesser developed areas, as well as other intermediate areas, leading to various ‘geodesigns’, figures, and models. First, a brief description of the main studies of spatial structure affecting the macroregion is given; then our definition of the spatial structure of Central and Eastern Europe is outlined. This is not only based on the main traditional development indicators (e.g. GDP per capita, unemployment rate, and business density), but also considers the spatial structure layers (economy, society, concentration, settlement pattern, network, and innovation).

本文剖析了仍处于转型阶段的中东欧地区空间结构的典型特征。该议题已得到诸多学者的探讨（Gorzelak 1997、Rechnitzer等2008）；相关研究既识别出发达与欠发达区域，也界定了各类过渡性中间区域，并衍生出多种‘地理设计（geodesign）’方案、图谱与模型。首先，本文将简要阐述影响该宏观区域的空间结构相关主流研究成果；随后将梳理本文对中东欧地区空间结构的界定框架。本界定不仅依托主流传统发展指标（如人均GDP、失业率、企业密度），同时涵盖空间结构的六大维度：经济、社会、集聚程度、居住格局、网络体系与创新能力。