This statement highlights a fundamental principle in economic geography: sustained economic growth is not merely an increase in output but a transformative process that profoundly reshapes and integrates the spatial organization of an economy. When economic growth is consistent and long-lasting, it fosters a progressive integration of the 'space economy,' meaning the interconnectedness and interdependence of different regions and locations within a geographical area.

This integration occurs through several mechanisms:

1. Infrastructure Development: Sustained growth necessitates and funds the development of robust infrastructure. This includes transportation networks (roads, railways, ports, airports), communication systems (internet, telecommunications), and energy grids. Improved infrastructure reduces 'friction of distance,' making it easier and cheaper to move goods, people, and information between regions. This enhanced connectivity is a cornerstone of spatial integration.

2. Specialization and Division of Labor: As an economy grows, regions tend to specialize in activities where they have a comparative advantage. One region might excel in manufacturing, another in agriculture, and yet another in services. This specialization leads to increased trade and exchange of goods and services between regions, making them more interdependent and functionally integrated.

3. Market Expansion and Interdependence: Sustained growth expands markets beyond local boundaries. Businesses seek new suppliers and customers across wider geographical areas. This leads to the formation of regional and national supply chains, where different stages of production are located in various places, all linked by economic transactions. For example, raw materials from one region might be processed in another and sold in a third.

4. Flows of Capital and Labor: Economic growth attracts investment, and capital flows to regions offering the best returns. Similarly, labor migrates to areas with better employment opportunities. These movements of capital and labor further knit together the spatial economy, creating a more unified economic landscape where resources are allocated more efficiently across space.

5. Diffusion of Innovation and Technology: Over time, innovations and technological advancements, often originating in growth poles, diffuse to other regions. This diffusion helps standardize production methods, improve efficiency across the economy, and reduce regional disparities in productivity, further integrating the economic activities across space.

In essence, sustained economic growth transforms a collection of disparate local economies into a more cohesive and interdependent 'space economy.' Regions become less isolated and more intertwined, forming a complex web of economic relationships. This integration is crucial for maximizing efficiency, fostering innovation, and ensuring a more balanced and resilient national or regional economy, although it can also sometimes exacerbate regional inequalities if not managed properly.