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International Specialization In Services: Insights From A New Theoretical Taxonomy

Author

Listed:
  • Alain GAUGRIS

    (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Statistics Division, New York)

  • El Mouhoub MOUHOUD

    (LEDa, University of Paris Dauphine)

Abstract

The persistent assumption of nontradability of service activities led to a general lack of understanding of the role of services in country specialization and performance, in particular in the developed economies. Yet, the share of services in international trade is ever growing, proving their de facto tradability, and questioning about their potential for relocation, or rather relocatability. Relocatability of a service will in turn depend on its degree of territorial anchoring. This paper proposes a new taxonomy of the service activities according to their degree of territorial anchoring, based on the location determinants. Then, for a sample of developed countries, the international specialization is measured for each service activity. It ensues, by crossing results obtained, an inventory of the volatility of services in which countries of the sample are specialized, that can be used as a useful tool for the design of fiscal, social, employment or trade policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Alain GAUGRIS & El Mouhoub MOUHOUD, 2013. "International Specialization In Services: Insights From A New Theoretical Taxonomy," Region et Developpement, Region et Developpement, LEAD, Universite du Sud - Toulon Var, vol. 37, pages 197-230.
    • Handle: RePEc:tou:journl:v:37:y:2013:p:197-230
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • L84 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Personal, Professional, and Business Services
    • R3 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location

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