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Spatial Patterns of Development: A Meso Approach

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  • Stelios Michalopoulos

    (Department of Economics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA)

  • Elias Papaioannou

    (Economics Department, London Business School, London NW1 4SA, United Kingdom)

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the literature on comparative development has moved from country-level to within-country analyses. The questions asked have expanded in scope as economists have used satellite images of light density at night and other big spatial data to proxy for development at the desired level. The focus has also shifted from uncovering correlations to identifying causal relations, using elaborate econometric techniques including spatial regression discontinuity designs. In this review, we show how the combination of geographic information systems with insights from disciplines ranging from the earth sciences to linguistics and history has transformed the research landscape on the roots of the spatial patterns of development. We discuss the limitations of the luminosity data and associated econometric techniques and conclude by offering some thoughts on future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Stelios Michalopoulos & Elias Papaioannou, 2018. "Spatial Patterns of Development: A Meso Approach," Annual Review of Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 10(1), pages 383-410, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:anr:reveco:v:10:y:2018:p:383-410
    DOI: 10.1146/annurev-economics-080217-053355
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    borders; development; ethnicity; history; language; luminosity; regions; regression discontinuity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N00 - Economic History - - General - - - General
    • N9 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa

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