Geographers have discussed the political relevance and practical application of their research for decades. Much of this debate has centered on the hurdles of such an involvement, but we argue that the larger issue at stake is on what grounds and to what ends applicable research is conducted. To illustrate how economic geography research informs public policy and to demonstrate its pitfalls, we examine two sites: regional agglomerations and creativity-led economic development. We propose that applicable research needs tobeaccompanied byaclearly articulated normative agenda.