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International Automotive Production Networks: How the web comes together

Author

Listed:
  • Belén González Díaz

    (Dpto. Economía Española e Inter.., Econometría e Hª Inst. Eco.)

  • Leticia Blázquez

    (Dpto. Economía Española e Inter.., Econometría e Hª Inst. Eco.)

Abstract

This paper aims to contribute to the literature on New Economic Geography by providing empirical evidence for the connections between new trade theory and the spatial distribution of economic activities. To do this, we apply Social Network Analysis specifically to the World Automotive Trade Network. We explore the structural features of the auto network for the years 1996 and 2009 using data on trade flows for 172 countries. Our findings suggest that the auto network has become denser, more extensive and more integrated over time, depicting a center-periphery structure in which regional clusters play a prominent role. In this configuration, strong agglomeration forces generated by companies’ desire for large and rich market access with minimum transportation costs are balanced by the search for new high-potential markets. El objetivo de este trabajo es contribuir a la literatura basada en la Nueva Geografía Económica mediante la aportación de evidencia empírica sobre la interrelación entre las nuevas teorías del comercio y la distribución espacial de las actividades económicas. Para ello empleamos la metodología de las redes sociales aplicadas concretamente a la red mundial de comercio de la industria del automóvil. Con información estadística de los flujos comerciales de 172 países, se analizan las características estructurales más importantes de la red del automóvil para los años 1996 y 2009. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que la red de comercio mundial del automóvil se ha hecho más densa, más integrada y más extensa con el paso del tiempo reflejando una clara estructura centro-periferia donde los clusters regionales desempeñan un papel muy relevante. En la configuración de esta red, la importancia de las fuerzas de aglomeración generadas por el deseo de las empresas de acceder a los mercados más importantes con los menores costes de transporte posibles, se ven contrarrestadas por la búsqueda de nuevos mercados con un elevado potencial de crecimiento.

Suggested Citation

  • Belén González Díaz & Leticia Blázquez, 2013. "International Automotive Production Networks: How the web comes together," Working Papers. Serie EC 2013-05, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Económicas, S.A. (Ivie).
    • Handle: RePEc:ivi:wpasec:2013-05
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Red mundial del comercio del automóvil; Nueva Geografía Económica; Análisis de las redes sociales; Partes y componentes. World Automotive Trade Networks; New Economic Geography; Social Network Analysis; Parts and Components.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F10 - International Economics - - Trade - - - General
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration

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