City size distributions as a consequence of the growth process

Duranton, Gilles (2002) City size distributions as a consequence of the growth process. CEPDP (550). London School of Economics and Political Science. Centre for Economic Performance, London, UK. ISBN 0753015870

Preview

PDF Download (619kB) | Preview

Abstract

The size distribution of cities in many countries follows some broadly regular patterns. Any good theory of city size distributions should (i) be able to account for this regularity, but also (ii) rely on a plausible economic mechanism and (iii) be consistent with other fundamental features of cities like the existence of agglomeration economies and crowding costs. Unlike the previous literature, the model proposed here satisfies these three requirements. It views small innovation-driven techno logical shocks as the main engine behind the growth and decline of cities. Cities grow or decline as they win or lose industries following new innovations. Formally, this is achieved by embedding the quality-ladder model of growth developed by Grossman and Helpman in an urban framework.

Item Type:	Monograph (Discussion Paper)
Official URL:	http://cep.lse.ac.uk
Additional Information:	© 2002 Gilles Duranton
Divisions:	Centre for Economic Performance Geography & Environment
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
JEL classification:	O - Economic Development, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O18 - Regional, Urban, and Rural Analyses R - Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics > R1 - General Regional Economics > R11 - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, and Changes R - Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics > R1 - General Regional Economics > R12 - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade
Date Deposited:	29 Jul 2008 08:18
Last Modified:	11 Dec 2024 18:31
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/20065

Actions (login required)

View Item