Testing for localisation using micro-geographic data

Duranton, Gilles and Overman, Henry G. (2002) Testing for localisation using micro-geographic data. CEPDP, 540. Centre for Economic Performance, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK. ISBN 0753015617

Preview

PDF Download (822Kb) | Preview

Abstract

To study the detailed location patterns of industries, and particularly the tendency for industries to cluster relative to overall manufacturing, we develop distance-based tests of localisation. In contrast to previous studies, our approach allows us to assess the statistical significance of departures from randomness. In addition, we treat space as continuous instead of using an arbitrary collection of geographical units. This avoids problems relating to scale and borders. We apply these tests to an exhaustive UK data set. For four-digit industries, we find that (i) only 51% of them are localised at a 5% confidence level, (ii) localisation takes place mostly at small scales below 50 kilometres, (iii) the degree of localisation is very skewed, and (iv) industries follow broad sectoral patterns with respect to localisation. Depending on the industry, smaller establishments can be the main drivers of both localisation and dispersion. Three-digit sectors show similar patterns of localisation at small scales as well as a tendency to localise at medium scales.

Item Type:	Monograph (Discussion Paper)
Official URL:	http://cep.lse.ac.uk
Additional Information:	© 2002 the authors
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Localisation, Clusters, K-density, Spatial Statistics
Library of Congress subject classification:	H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
Journal of Economic Literature Classification System:	R - Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics > R1 - General Regional Economics > R12 - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C1 - Econometric and Statistical Methods: General > C19 - Other L - Industrial Organization > L7 - Industry Studies: Primary Products and Construction > L70 - General
Sets:	Collections > Economists Online Research centres and groups > Centre for Economic Performance (CEP) Departments > Geography and Environment
Rights:	http://www.lse.ac.uk/library/rights/LSERO.htm
Identification Number:	540
URL:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/20071/

Actions (login required)

Record administration - authorised staff only