The sub-creative economy of the suburbs in question

Abstract

This article questions the sub-creative label all too frequently attached to suburbs. Simple distinctions between the economy of cities and suburbs are increasingly untenable in the enlarged and functionally complex urban regions that now exist in many, not just developed nations. By way of illustrative examples the article highlights evidence of the inventive or creative character of suburban economies both historically and today. These illustrations are suggestive of a variety of creative suburban economies that might each be a research agenda in itself. Future academic and policy interest will have to address the topic of suburban creativity if our economic well-being is to be better understood and supported.