forces emanate and to which centripetal forces are attracted. Thus, each center of attraction and repulsion has its proper field, which in turn is set in the field of other centers. The economic zone of influence is delimited by this process. Thus, growth poles are likely to be firms, industries or groups of firms and industries. It is within these "poles” that growth and change are generated. Connections between the poles (i.e., inputs and outputs) transmit the forces that are generated. The stages theory indicates that over time, different sectors of the economy will assume lesser or greater importance. A historical sequence of events is hypothesized. The economy of an area develops initially around a primary activity — agriculture, forestry, mining— that provides an exportable surplus over local needs. The proceeds from these sales provide the means for importing items not produced locally, typically manufactured items. This spurs new stages of growth. According to the agglomeration theory, the great concentrations of manufacturing through time are the product of a single thrust-specialization. The fundamental theme of this viewpoint is that the specialization of functions results in the specialization of areas or regions. It makes possible a distinction in function between town and country and further differentiates one area from another. Areal specialization becomes the corollary of functional integrated specializations simply represents the advantages of a particular locality. 2.2 FACTORS AFFECTING INDUSTRIAL LOCATION A fundamental question in spatial location is: What are the factors that play a role in the world’s industrial spatial patterns? This section will delineate several primary and secondary factors. 2.2.1 Primary Factors Many theorists contend that transportation is the single most important factor in industrial location. Transportation is regarded as a major determinant of plant location in two respects: cost of service and type of service. If freight costs comprise a large part of total costs, the transportation factor may have to be economized. However, the desire to economize line haul costs does not necessarily signify its achievement. A prerequisite to the
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