Industrial Networks and Evolution of the International Quaternary Place System

This study investigated the nature of spatial concentration and dispersion of corporate control within an international system of decision-making centers. It introduces a simplified model of the global evolution of quaternary places. Linked to the national quaternary place model, the proposed model is useful for examinations involving real world situations associated with international corporations. This five stage model emphasizes the importance of the organizational structure of large corporations, industrial networks and the development of information technology. It suggests the dispersion of international quaternary places along with the diversification of corporate control linkages among quaternary centers. A case study for 1974-1991 uses information statistics to identify the current stage of the international quaternary system. The result is in general agreement with major elements of the stage model. This theoretical concept and empirical research contribute to the expansion of quaternary place theory to the global scale in particular, and to the development of location analysis in general.