Abstract: Some ideas are formulated on the challenges presented to GIS, spatial analysis and spatial econometrics that result from recent trends in social science research. These new developments are characterized by a focus on the geography of phenomena. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to extend concepts of space, to broaden the analytical toolbox and to develop software and advance education. Key words: Spatial econometrics, spatial analysis, social sciences The subset of spatial analysis that pertains to the statistical analysis of spatially referenced data has recently gained a growing acceptance as a methodology in the mainstream social sciences. I will focus my remarks on this speci