Torre A. and Rallet A. (2005) Proximity and localization, Regional Studies39, 47- 59. The objective of this paper is to pave the way for an analysis of the relations between proximity and localization of activities and people, two notions that are often mistaken for one another. Our method consists in exploiting the semantic wealth of the notion of proximity. We distinguish two types of proximity (geographical and organized) and propose a grid of analysis of the main models of geographic organization of activities by articulating both types of proximity. We then introduce the phenomenon of tension between geographical and organized proximity in order to discuss problems that are often underestimated in spatial economy. First, organized proximity offers powerful mechanisms of long-distance coordination that constitute the foundation of the increasing geographical development of socio-economic interactions. The confusion between information interactions and knowledge exchange, and the constraint of being located in proximity neglects the fact that the collective rules and representations do manage, and at a distance, an increasing part of these interactions. It is then shown that there is a disjunction between the need for geographical proximity and co-localization of actors by introducing professional mobility and temporary geographical proximity. We also emphasize the ability of big organizations to manage the presence in different areas of their units, whereas smaller ones are more constrained by fixed co-localizations, which are only needed for certain phases of their interactions. Finally, we raise the often neglected question of the negative effects of geographical proximity, which creates tensions between the actors who use limited support-goods and tends to damage the local relational network. However, these negative effects can be limited by integrating them within organizations or institutions, that is through a re-composed organized proximity enabling one to solve conflicts and launch processes of cooperation or negotiation within ad- hoc mechanisms. Torre A. et Rallet A. (2005) Proximité et localisation, Regional Studies39, 47-59. Cet article cherche à ouvrir la voie à une anlyase des rapports entre la proximité et la localisation des activités et de la population, deux notions qui sont souvent confondues. L'approche consiste à exploiter la richesse sémantique de la notion de proximité. Dans un premier temps, on distingue deux types de proximité (géographique et organisée) et propose une grille qui permet une analyse des principaux modèles de l'organisation géographique des activités en articulant les deux types de proximité. Dans un deuxième temps on introduit le phénomène de la tension entre la proximité ou géographique, ou organisée, afin de discuter des problèmes qui sont souvent sousestimés dans l'économie géographique. En premier, la proximité organisée fournit de puissants mécanismes de coordination à longue distance qui constituent la base du développement géographique croissant des interactions...

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[eng] Proximity and location - The objective of this article is to pave the way for an analysis of the relations between proximity and localization. (I) We distinguish two types of proximity (geographical proximity and organized proximity) and propose a grid of analysis of the main models of geographic organization of activities by articulating both types of proximity. We then introduce the phenomenon of tension between geographical proximity and organized proximity. (II) Organized proximity offers powerful mechanisms of longdistance coordination which constitute the foundation of the increasing geographic development of socio- economic interactions. (III) We then show that there is a disjunction between the need for geographical proximity and co-localization of actors, by introducing professional mobility and temporary geographical proximity. We also emphasize the ability of big organizations to manage their presence in different whereas smaller organizations are more constrained by fixed co-localizations which are only needed for certain phases of their interactions. (IV) Finally, we raise the question of the negative effects of geographical proximity. In the case of limited support- goods, geographical proximity creates tensions between the actors who use them and tends to damage the local relations. In this case geographical proximity plays against organized proximity. However the negative externalities of geographical proximity can be limited by integrating them within organizations or institutions, that is through a re- composed organized proximity. [fre] L'objectif de cet article est de proposer une analyse des relations entre proximité et localisation et, plus particulièrement, entre besoins de proximité et co-localisation des activités. Deux types de proximité (géographique et organisée) sont définis dans la première section. Leur articulation fournit une grille d'analyse de la manière dont les acteurs économiques se « situent » aujourd'hui dans l'espace géographique. Dans la deuxième section, nous remettons en cause la confusion souvent faite dans la littérature entre agglomération et interactions de proximité géographique. Puis nous soulignons l'importance des phénomènes d'encastrement social et institutionnel et abordons les phénomènes d'ubiquité qui caractérisent aujourd'hui les comportements des agents économiques. Dans la troisième section, nous introduisons la mobilité des personnes. On oublie souvent que les besoins de proximité géographique (pour réaliser une coopération, par exemple) ne supposent pas nécessairement que les agents soient localisés les uns près des autres. Pour les personnes se déplaçant, la contrainte de proximité devient relative. Enfin, la proximité géographique n'a pas que des vertus positives. Elle peut être facteur de conflits, de rivalités ou d'externalités négatives... qui trouvent une partie de leurs solutions dans la mobilisation des ressources de la proximité organisée. Cette analyse fait l'objet de la quatrième section.

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