The mental map of Dutch entrepreneurs. Changes in the subjective rating of locations in the Netherlands, 1983-1993-2003



a decreasing appreciation of the locations on its west flank while in the period between
1993 and 2003, this decrease extends to the eastern flank.

The results of factor analysis on the survey data suggest that three fundamental
dimensions determine the rating of possible firm locations by entrepreneurs: potency,
activity, and evaluation. Potency may be understood as centrality of location. Activity is
correlated to agglomeration size. Landscape and culture probably determine the
evaluative dimension.

References

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DIRKZWAGER, A. (1966), Intelligentie en schoolprestaties: Een empirisch onderzoek. Amsterdam:
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MEESTER, W.J. (1994), Recent changes in the locational preferences of Dutch entrepreneurs. Paper for
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MEESTER, W.J. (2004), Locational preferences of entrepreneurs: Stated preferences in The Netherlands
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PELLENBARG, P.H. (1977), Bedrijfsmigratie in Nederland: Een onderzoek naar migratiemotieven en
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PELLENBARG, P.H. (1985), Bedrijfsrelokatie en ruimtelijke kognitie: Onderzoekingen naar bedrijfs-
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PELLENBARG, P.H. & W.J. MEESTER (1984), Location decisions and spatial cognition: Some
research findings from the Netherlands. In: M. de Smidt & E. Wever, eds., A profile of Dutch
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PRED, A. (1967), Behavior and location: Foundations for a geographic and dynamic location theory, part
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SIMON, H.A. (1957), Models of man: social and rational: Mathematical essays on rational human
behavior in a social setting. New York: Wiley.

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