Final answer:
The theoretical roots of the resource-based view are closely associated with the work of David Ricardo, particularly his 1817 treatise on specialization and comparative advantage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has inquired about the theoretical roots of the resource-based view, which can be traced back to the work of several early economists. Upon examination of economic theory, it is found that David Ricardo, with his treatise On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation in 1817, provides foundational ideas that relate closely to the resource-based view. However, the early economists primarily focused on physical resources like land as the primary driver of economic output, not fully anticipating the considerable impact of technological advancement and energy sources like fossil fuels that would later emerge. Additionally, Ricardo's work on comparative advantage clearly ties into understanding the benefits of specialization and the efficient use of resources, which is a cornerstone of the resource-based view.