Raising the bar in spatial economic analysis: two laws of spatial economic modelling

Based on a prospective and retrospective analysis of the 'Raising the bar' editorials preceding regular issues of this journal from 2016-2023, this paper identifies two laws of spatial economic modelling: (i) Units of observation cannot be treated as independent entities because they interact and (ii) interaction causes spillovers from one unit to another. Common themes and trends uncovered in these editorials, the progress that has been made and the direction in which the research fields can continue to develop are discussed, using both laws as references. Currently, there is no single approach that adequately addresses both laws.