Location patterns of advanced producer service firms in Warsaw: A tale of agglomeration in the era of creativity

Abstract

Advanced producer services (APS) are recognized as one of the pillars of contemporary metropolitan development. The main goal of the article is to show the relationship between the sectoral and spatial dimensions of metropolisation process by analysing the location patterns and factors of advanced producer services in Warsaw. In particular, the research focuses on location differences between specific APS industries, as well as the role of business districts in this diversification. The research conducted shows that ‘professional’ APS branches prefer city centre, as well as business districts in general, whereas ‘creative’ APS branches prefer to cluster in locations either surrounding the city centre - especially vibrant areas with high quality urban space – or peripheral, non-business districts with good car accessibility, that provide convenient access to clients. Surprisingly, cultural and entertainment amenities do not seem to have a significant impact in either case. We conclude that literature on creative economy that highlights the role of cultural and entertainment amenities has certain limitations in terms of explaining business location patterns and factors in the post-socialist context and therefore might not provide fully adequate practical recommendations for urban planning policies.