External economies arise essentially from the localization of industry.
External economies occur when an industry or group of firms in a specific geographical area experience benefits beyond what they could achieve individually. This can include access to specialized suppliers, a skilled labor force, and a larger market for their products or services.
Localization of industry refers to the concentration of firms in a specific area. This can create a cluster of related industries and suppliers, allowing for easier collaboration, lower transportation costs, and increased efficiency.
Government policies, such as subsidies or tax incentives, may encourage the localization of industries, but they do not create external economies themselves. Similarly, a firm's individual policies and the free transferability of shares do not create external economies as they are focused on the internal operations of the firm.
Overall, external economies are a result of the benefits that arise from firms operating in close proximity to each other in a specific geographic location, which can lead to increased efficiency and productivity for all firms involved.