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A spatial econometric multivariate model of Okun's law

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  • Elhorst, J. Paul
  • Emili, Silvia

Abstract

A system of two dynamic spatial panel data model equations is developed in which output growth and the change in the unemployment rate are interdependent. The parameters of the model are estimated by recently developed maximum likelihood techniques for multivariate spatial econometric models, using data of twelve provinces in the Netherlands over the period 1974–2018, covering four major economic downturns of the Dutch economy. By using time-cumulative marginal effects derived from the impulse response function of this model, it is found that Okun's law is dominated by the relationship that runs from output growth to unemployment. The amount of growth that is needed to reduce unemployment by one percentage point is shown to depend on the extent to which spillover effects to neighboring regions and output multiplier effects are accounted for.

Suggested Citation

  • Elhorst, J. Paul & Emili, Silvia, 2022. "A spatial econometric multivariate model of Okun's law," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:regeco:v:93:y:2022:i:c:s0166046221001162
    DOI: 10.1016/j.regsciurbeco.2021.103756
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    GDP growth; Unemployment; Region; Spatial econometrics; Impulse responses;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • E2 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment
    • J64 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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