Michael Storper

Michael Storper is the LSE Centennial Professor of Economic Geography at the London School of Economics (LSE), Department of Geography and Environment. He is also affiliated with Sciences-Po Paris and UCLA Urban Planning. His work focuses on globalization, regional development, urban economies, and the interplay between institutions, technology, and space. Key contributions include seminal works like Keys to the City (2013) and The Rise and Fall of Urban Economies (2015), analyzing how economic, social, and political factors shape urban and regional trajectories.

Storper’s research explores global-local dynamics, the role of face-to-face interaction ('buzz') in urban agglomeration, and the impacts of trade liberalization. He has advised governments on policies addressing spatial inequality and regional development. Notable awards include the Royal Geographical Society Founder’s Medal (2016) and the American Association of Geographers Distinguished Scholarship Honors (2017).

His work critiques neoliberal urbanization models and highlights disparities in U.S. and European cities. Collaborations span transatlantic institutions, emphasizing comparative analyses of innovation and regional governance. Current interests include disruptive innovation’s spatial effects and the digital transformation of cities.