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Structural Characteristics of the OECD International Trade Network and Their Association with Economic Development

Author

Listed:
  • Stamatia Almalioti

    (Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece)

  • Dimitrios Tsiotas

    (Department of Regional and Economic Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece)

Abstract

Trade interactions among states play a central role in enhancing productive capacity, disseminating technology, and fostering social, institutional, and diplomatic linkages, forming a longstanding foundation of economic and regional development. This study investigates the economic interdependence generated by international trade in the contemporary global economy by examining the structural and spatial organization of trade flows using complex network analysis. Focusing on trade interactions among 42 OECD countries, the paper analyzes how countries participate in international trade across different levels of transaction intensity, reflecting varying economic scales. Assuming a positive relationship between trade intensity and economic development, the analysis evaluates network topology and centrality at three structural levels: microscopic (node-level), mesoscopic (community-level), and macroscopic (global network-level). The findings reveal key patterns of strategic cooperation and systemic vulnerability, highlighting that while international trade supports global growth and prosperity, it may also expose economies to heightened risks during global financial crises.

Suggested Citation

  • Stamatia Almalioti & Dimitrios Tsiotas, 2025. "Structural Characteristics of the OECD International Trade Network and Their Association with Economic Development," Sustainable Regional Development Scientific Journal, Sustainable Regional Development Scientific Journal, vol. 0(2), pages 21-32, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bfb:srdjou:2025-02_2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)
    • R15 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Econometric and Input-Output Models; Other Methods

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