THE NEW ISSUE OF REGIONAL STATISTICS IS ALREADY AVAILABLE!

We are pleased to inform you that a new issue of the Regional Statistics has been released and now it’s available online.

https://www.ksh.hu/terstat_eng_current_issue

REGIONAL STATISTICS, 2024, VOL 14, No 2.

STUDIES

Dear Readers,

We are pleased to say that the 2/2024 issue of Regional Statistics has been published and available online!

CONTENT

Dalma Schmeller – Dávid Sümeghy: Is the rival city always greener? An analysis of the indicators for European Green Capital Award shortlisted and applicant cities, 2010–2024

http://www.ksh.hu/statszemle_archive/regstat/2024/2024_02/rs140201.pdf

Imran Hussain – Ramesh Chandra Das: Interlink between human capital and income in Indian States: An empirical investigation for the period 1998–2019

http://www.ksh.hu/statszemle_archive/regstat/2024/2024_02/rs140202.pdf

Slavomír Ondoš – Žofia Sinčáková – Oto Hudec: The re-emergence of left-behind regions: The end of spatial equity and the rise of dynamic movements in Slovakia, 1990–2020

http://www.ksh.hu/statszemle_archive/regstat/2024/2024_02/rs140203.pdf

Éva Kiss – Annamária Uzzoli: Spatial patterns of the Hungarian Healthcare Industry Support Program in connection with Industry 4.0 technologies during the Covid-19 pandemic

http://www.ksh.hu/statszemle_archive/regstat/2024/2024_02/rs140204.pdf

Nikolett Vágó – Sándor Winkler – Gábor Hajnal: The impact of automotive industry investments on local property prices – The case of Mercedes-Benz in Kecskemét (Hungary), 2010–2017

http://www.ksh.hu/statszemle_archive/regstat/2024/2024_02/rs140205.pdf

Gábor Dávid Kiss – Sabri Alipanah – Dóra Sallai: The relevance of network effects on the Central-Eastern European (CEE) stock market indices, 2008 Q1–2022 Q1

http://www.ksh.hu/statszemle_archive/regstat/2024/2024_02/rs140206.pdf

Federico Dubois – María Florencia Zabaloy – María María Ibáñez Martín: Modeling energy consumption to measure energy poverty in households in Buenos Aires (Argentina), 2017–2018

http://www.ksh.hu/statszemle_archive/regstat/2024/2024_02/rs140207.pdf

Tibor Elekes – Péter Gyenizse: The historical Szekely Land and its present-day spatial division

http://www.ksh.hu/statszemle_archive/regstat/2024/2024_02/rs140208.pdf

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Dear RSAI members,

I hope this email finds you well.

I am writing you to forward you all great news - our European supranational section, ERSA, has just launched a brand new journal, entitled "Global Challenges and Regional Science". Please find below a letter from the ERSA President, Prof. Roberta Capello, introducing you all the new journal.

I am confident the global regional science community will support and join the launch and life of this new and important publication outlet.

Thank you in advance for your attention,

Kind regards,

Andrea Caragliu

Associate Professor of Regional and Urban Economics

Politecnico di Milano, ABC Department

RSAI Executive Director

Summer Institute on Exploring ‘X-Factor of a City’

The Summer School in Košice, Slovak Republic, promoted by RSAI (the Regional Science Association International), is organized by Ulysseus, the European University Alliance. This program offers a unique, interactive opportunity to acquire new knowledge and explore the X-factor that enhances city well-being. The week-long program, running from July 8 to July 12, 2024, will be conducted in-person at the Faculty of Economics, Technical University of Košice, Slovakia. To prepare participants, a hybrid Summer Institute kick-off will be held at the beginning of June to distribute factsheets, data, and essential information.

This interactive program warmly welcomes PhD students and young scientists who are keen to explore urban dynamics and engage with innovative methodologies and big data integration in a dynamic learning environment. It will also feature high-quality keynote speakers, and experts in urban development, who will provide valuable insights and foster stimulating discussions.

Organized by Ulysseus, the European University Alliance—Technical University of Košice (Slovakia), University of Seville (Spain), University of Côte d'Azur (France), and University of Genoa (Italy).

Website: https://summerinstitute.tuke.sk/

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Investigaciones Regionales - Journal of Regional Research has published the 59^th Issue, the second volume corresponding to 2024.

Below you will find the summaries of the papers published in this volume, which can be accessed at https://investigacionesregionales.org/en/revista/issue-59/ 

We invite authors to submit papers at https://investigacionesregionales.org/en/envio-de-articulos/submission-of-papers-and-others-contributions/

Issue 59

European Regional Policy

Julián Moral-Carcedo, Carlos Llano-Verduras

How integrated regional financial markets are in Europe? A first gauge based on active securitised loans

Little is known about the degree of integration of financial markets at subnational level in the EU. This article provides new evidence on interregional loan flows within Europe. Building on the “Loan Level Initiative” launched by the ECB, with more than 35 million active loans, we built a georeferenced dataset of securitised loans, covering the period 2014-2018 and the 166 European NUTS 2 regions for which data exists. After reviewing the complex nature of the dataset, we explored its geographical dimension, and conduct an econometric analysis focused on explaining the regional demand for such loans, using different explanatory variables related to the geographic and the socio-economic features of the regions, and alternative panel data specifications (classic versus spatial econometric ones).

Keywords: Capital flows; loans; securitized loans; European financial integration

Articles

Víctor Hugo Torres Preciado, Pablo Mejía Reyes

Dynamic interaction between permanent and temporary employment across manufacturing labor markets in the Mexican states: A structural panel VAR approach

México’s implementation of several labor market reforms aimed to stimulate the flexibilization of labor relationships have brought long-standing concerns among scholars and governmental authorities about a displacement process of permanent by temporary jobs. In this regard, this manuscript aims to respond whether the dynamic interaction between permanent and temporary employment across Mexican states describe a substitution or complementary relationship. By means of implementing a structural panel vector autoregressive model, our estimation results demonstrate that a combination of both types of interaction, substitutive and complementary ones, prevail across manufacturing labor markets at state level. Moreover, a marked heterogeneity among estimated dynamic responses suggests that incentivizing permanent employment would induce stronger substitution effects on its temporary counterpart than, for example, substitution of permanent job positions arising when incentivizing temporary employment.

Keywords: Permanent employment; temporary employment; regional labor markets; México; structural panel VAR

Rudy Fernández-Escobedo, Begoña Eguía-Peña, Leire Aldaz-Odriozola

Cluster mapping in Spain: Exploring the correlation between industrial agglomeration and regional performance

This paper presents a quantitative cluster mapping methodology for traded industries, adapted for the Spanish case; also explores the correlation between the existence of clusters and regional performance. The study is made at NUTS-2 level, and a total of forty-seven out of eighty-eight 2-digits codes for CNAE-2009 are analyzed; ICT Index and Industry 4.0 Index are also designed and computed. A six-step methodology is applied departing from cross-industry linkages and implementing clustering algorithms; one set of clusters is elected and mapped over territory. The correlation analysis shows that a high number of clusters based on absolute employment data is positively correlated with variables associated with competitiveness, education, ICT adoption, and Industry 4.0, while no significant correlation is found for GDP per capita nor earning per worker.

Keywords: Cluster analysis; agglomeration economics; Industry 4.0; classification methods; industrial agglomeration

Sylvina Porras-Arena, Ángel L. Martín-Román, Diego Dueñas Fernández, Raquel Llorente Heras

Okun’s Law: The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary layoffs procedures (ERTEs) on Spanish regions

Official statistics indicated a break in Okun’s law in all the Spanish regions due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, herein, evidence of the validity of the law is shown. The temporary layoff procedures (ERTEs) allowed many workers to maintain their jobs. From the productive point of view, the law remained in effect in the regions, showing a strong relationship between idle labour resources and economic activity, and from the social point of view, the apparent breakdown of the law can be interpreted as the implementation of a policy that mitigated the dramatic impact of the economic crisis.

Keywords: Okun’s law; ERTE; expanded unemployment rate

Angel Aronés Cisneros, Anna Badia Perpinyà, Jordi Nadal Tersa, Vivien Bonnesoeur

Forest fires in ecosystems of the humid puna in the Andes of Ayacucho, Peru

This research analyzes the extent and frequency of forest fires in the humid puna ecosystem from 2013 to 2021, identifying the affected areas and determining the causes in order to improve fire management in the department of Ayacucho (Andean region). from Peru). The methodology combines cartographic analysis, satellite images and semi-structured interviews to identify the causes, consequences and mitigation alternatives of the fires. The results show that the areas affected by the fires during the 9 years are very differentiated, with 2020 being the year with the largest burned area, reaching 2,836 ha, which represents 14.89% of the humid puna of the study area. In addition, the most frequently burned areas are repeated between 7 and 9 times in different years, with an average of 182 ha burned recurrently. The causes of the fires are clearly of anthropic origin caused by the (i) opening of new fields or burning of stubble; (ii) ichu burning for pasture regrowth and (iii) for cultural reasons. It is concluded that the combination of cartographic analysis methodology, satellite images and semi-structured interviews provide information that allows understanding the dynamics of the territory and improve the management and implementation of territorial policies in the mitigation of fires.

Keywords: Forest fires; satellite images; Andes; humid puna

Serafín Ojeda Casares, Joaquín Valverde Martínez, Ana Ramírez Torres, Iria Enrique Regueira

The statistical grid as a unit of observation and analysis: Andalu-sia, Spanish region case study

Units of observation with reduced dimensions and regular geometry have been increasingly generated in a recent, albeit already steady, trend towards further territorial data disaggregation. In this line of research, the present study reports the results of using the spatial distribution of population data and built-up areas at a high level of territorial data disaggregation with reduced dimensions and with a homogeneous observation unit by applying a regular grid consisting of 250-m square cells. The main objective was to show the results and advantages of working at a high level of spatial data disaggregation. This approach provides a more comprehensive knowledge of the territory and allows for a more accurate analysis of spatial patterns in the different variables under study, thereby enhancing the quality of decision-making processes.

Keywords: Grid; population; cadastre; building; dwelling

Angela Caro, Julia De Haro-García

The waiting times distribution of public hospitals using a GAMLSS approach: the case of Andalusia (Spain)

Patients’ waiting times are caused by the imbalance between the available supply and the existing demand in the health sector. Exceeding maximum waiting times may worsen diseases and entail additional costs to public health systems. This paper studies the theoretical probability distribution that best fits the average waiting times for non-urgent surgeries and first outpatient consultations for Spanish public hospitals in the region of Andalusia. For doing this we apply Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape, which cover a wide range of probability distributions. We propose the final selected models as a tool to be considered by health authorities for a better management of waiting times/lists.

Keywords: Model selection; GAIC; GAMLSS; waiting lists; waiting times

Pablo Galaso, Fernando Masi Fadlala, Santiago Picasso, Adrián Rodríguez Miranda, María Belén Servín Belotto

Collaboration networks, support organisations and innovation in Paraguayan clusters

This article examines the role of support organizations (SOs) in promoting innovation and competitiveness in Paraguayan companies. Six important clusters in the country are analyzed: meat and derivatives, dairy, ceramics and construction, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Collaboration networks are reconstructed using data from interviews with companies and SOs. Network analysis, econometric regressions, and qualitative analysis of the interviews are employed. The results reveal how companies access external resources to enhance their competitiveness and foster innovation through cluster SOs. In the context of a developing country, cooperation between these organizations in cross-sector and crossterritory networks is crucial.

Keywords: Industrial clusters; social network analysis; regional development; support organisations; Paraguay

Manuel Gómez-Zaldívar, Fernando Gómez-Zaldívar, José Luis Carrillo Ramírez

Calculation of Complexity Indices for Mexico: Proposal for a more periodic and robust estimation

The Economic Complexity Index (ECI) and Product Complexity Index (PCI), proposed by Hidalgo and Hausmann (2009), are measures that quantify the sophistication of productive knowledge that economies (industries) posses (require to produce). These indexes have been frequently used in the economic geography and economic development literature for the optimal design of industrial strategies. In the original study, these authors calculated these measures for countries and products using data on the value of their exports. Since then, various studies have estimated them at the subnational level using other variables such as: employment, patents, technologies, salaries, etc. This article presents a proposal for a more periodic and robust estimation of the indices in Mexico using a different variable, the number of establishments or economic units by type of activity, this variable is obtained from the National Statistical Directory of Economic Units (DENUE, its Spanish acronym).  The results are consistent, both formunicipalities and for industries, and present a better fit compared to those of previous studies. We consider that our proposal is pertinent because it allows for the design and more periodic evaluation of industrial strategies and subnational public policies in the area of economic development.

Keywords: Economic Complexity Index; Product Complexity Index; DENUE

RSPP Paper Award 2024

Following the nomination of the 10 best papers by the Editors of 10 Special Issues/Topics published in 2023, the Jury composed by David Plane, Philip McCann, Bruce Newbold, Neil Reid and Tomaz Dentinho agreed that the winners of the 2024 RSPP paper award based on papers published in 2023 were:

X Gao, L Liu, D Ou, H Yuwu (2023), Using mobile phone data to probe the mobility‐ related well‐being of rural residents: A case study of Chengdu, China. Regional Science Policy Practice 2023 15 (9), 1893-1907. DOI: 10.1111/rsp3.12604

Focusing on Chengdu Region in China the paper uses mobile phone data to understand rural mobility and the social and orographic factors that influence it. The look into human mobility in remote rural areas, the innovative use of big data and the clear methodological approach allow robust new evidence on rural mobility and justify adequate policy advises.

AND

Ana Maria Bonomi Barufi, Eduardo Amaral Haddad, Peter Nijkamp (2023), Urban agglomeration, city size, and spatial density effects on wage flexibility: New evidence on the wage curve in Brazil. Regional Science Policy Practice 2023 15 (9) Pages 1998-2026. DOI: 10.1111/rsp3.12669

The paper estimates the relation between wages and unemployment considering spatial interaction. Results show the existence of diverse labor markets and concludes that policy makers should be aware of measures to protect formal jobs that, at local level, can increase the wage with informal workers. It is clearly a very good paper able to generate a new common sense on the functioning of labor markets when space is considered.

Congratulations to the prize winners on their achievement!

The committee (made up of Balazs Forman, Jozsef Karpati, Ilona Palne-Kovacs, Sarah Low, and Hee-Jung Jun) recommended the two papers the winners of the 2024 RSAI Young Researcher Award:

1st place: 

Kenneth Castillo-Hidalgo from Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona wins first prize with his paper titled “Mines, fields, or classrooms: Effects of primary activities agglomeration on local human capital accumulation.” This paper is about the role of human capital in mining and non-mining agglomerations in Chile. Using the Spatial Autocorrelation Model, with excellent sensitivity analyses, he finds that higher mining activity is associated with lower human capital in periods with high copper prices. Its contributions include the spatial and temporal differences in mining’s impacts on human capital and the need for tailored regional development strategies around growing human capital. The committee appreciated this paper’s relevance and regional nature.

2nd place:

Maria Kubara of University of Warsaw wins second prize with her paper titled, “Unravelling causal CBD impact on technological startup survival.” It uses novel machine learning techniques to examine non-linear relations between startups’ initial conditions and locational characteristics. She investigates the impact of Central Business District location on startup growth trajectories, finding that CBD’s influence is dependent upon the startup’s capital endowment, with more capitalized firms benefitting most from CBD location. However, the CBD location becomes less relevant as the startup grows in employment size. The committee appreciated the contribution of new methods to the regional science community.

Congratulations!

The RSAI Young Researchers Prize aims to showcase the research of young scholars in regional science through paper presentation and in-depth discussion organized at the Regional Science Association World Congress.

 Pedro Amaral from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil received the 2024 Peter Nijkamp RSAI Research Encouragement Award for an Mid-Career Scholar from a Developing Country.

The jury for the Peter Nijkamp Research Award 2024, composed of Eduardo Haddad (Chair), Denise Pumain, Tessa Conroy, and Randall Jackson, has carefully reviewed the nominations and research contributions of the applicants.

The committee provided the following text:

"This year, we received four applications, with three of them being highly competitive and closely contending for the award. After thorough consideration, we enthusiastically recommend Pedro Amaral as the recipient of this prestigious award for the following compelling reasons: (i) Pedro Amaral has demonstrated research excellence in the field of regional science, particularly in the areas of spatial analysis and spatial econometrics. Prof. Amaral’s consistent research record since receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge is commendable. He has consistently produced collaborative high-impact research that contributes significantly to the advancement of regional science and its applications. (ii) Pedro Amaral’s engagement in teaching spatial analysis and spatial econometrics further underscores his commitment to advancing the field. His mentorship of students and dedication to education have a lasting impact on the next generation of regional science scholars. Given Prof. Amaral’s track record of research and his ongoing contributions to regional science, we believe that he has the potential to continue making significant contributions to the field in the years to come. Recognizing his achievements with the Peter Nijkamp Research Award would not only honor his past accomplishments but also inspire future endeavors."

Congratulations!

The Award recognizes the outstanding potential of an mid-career researcher from a nation in the developing world and in which there is a formal Section of RSAI, and seeks to encourage the development of the early career scholar as a high quality researcher in the field of Regional Science and as a participant in the international Regional Science community.

Call for Papers for the RSPP Special Issue: Cities Shaping Sustainable Food Systems

The Amsterdam institute for Advanced metropolitan Solutions (AMS Institute) is excited to announce a special issue in the Regional Science, Policy & Practice (RSPP) journal. RSPP will publish a selection of papers from AMS Institute Conference focusing on the crucial role of cities in leading the transition towards sustainable food systems (guest editors: Eveline Van Leeuwen and Carina Castagna).

Background:

Cities, as hubs of food networks and resources, are pivotal in leading the transition towards sustainable food systems. Urban food systems, shaped by economic, spatial, and cultural dynamics, offer unique opportunities for sustainability  transitions. This special issue aims to explore urban food challenges and the role of cities in sustainable local and global food systems.

Focus Areas:

• Social implications of food access, distribution, and consumption in cities
• Cultural influences shaping food practices and preferences in urban environments
• Economic dynamics influencing urban food systems
• The circular economy approach and its relevance to urban food sustainability
• Innovative strategies for mitigating food waste and enhancing byproduct utilization
• Promoting food justice and equity within urban communities

Submission Guidelines:

Authors are invited to submit original research articles and reviews, that contribute to the understanding of urban food systems and sustainability transitions. Manuscripts should adhere to the journal's formatting and submission guidelines.

Deadline:

The deadline for manuscript submissions is 26/09/2024. 

How to Submit:

Manuscripts should be submitted online through the RSPP journal submission portal, indicating that they are intended for the special issue on "Food & the City”.

Regional Science Policy & Practice | Journal | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier

We look forward to receiving your submissions and engaging in insightful discussions on this pressing issue. https://reinventingthecity24.dryfta.com/index.php