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Grid and shake: spatial aggregation and the robustness of regionally estimated elasticities

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  • Gábor Békés

    (Central European University)

  • Péter Harasztosi

    (Joint Research Centre)

Abstract

This paper proposes a simple and transparent method for measuring spatial robustness of regionally estimated coefficients and considers the role of the administrative districts and of the size of regions. The procedure offers a new solution for a practical empirical issue: comparing the variables of interest across spatially aggregated units. It improves upon existing methods, especially when spatial units are heterogeneous. To illustrate the method, we use Hungarian data and compare estimates of agglomeration externalities at various levels of aggregation. Using the procedure, we find that the method of spatial aggregation seems to be of equal importance to the specification of the econometric model.

Suggested Citation

  • Gábor Békés & Péter Harasztosi, 2018. "Grid and shake: spatial aggregation and the robustness of regionally estimated elasticities," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 60(1), pages 143-170, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:anresc:v:60:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s00168-017-0849-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s00168-017-0849-y
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    2. Stuart Donovan & Thomas de Graaff & Henri L. F. de Groot & Carl C. Koopmans, 2024. "Unraveling urban advantages—A meta‐analysis of agglomeration economies," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(1), pages 168-200, February.
    3. Gabor Bekes & Gianmarco I.P. Ottaviano, 2015. "Micro-founded measurement of regional competitiveness in Europe," CERS-IE WORKING PAPERS 1525, Institute of Economics, Centre for Economic and Regional Studies.
    4. Wenwen Wang, 2021. "The heterogeneity of agglomeration effect: Evidence from Chinese cities," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(1), pages 392-424, March.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)
    • R30 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - General
    • C15 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Statistical Simulation Methods: General

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