Date: 27th September 2007
Venue: Malone House, Barnett Demesne, Belfast
Time: 12.00 pm - 2.30 pm
Series: Autumn 2007

Abstract of Talk

While the primary impact of an economic change may be focused in a particular city or region, in general such changes affect other regions also.  These interdependencies may be complementary – a change that benefits one region has positive effects on other regions. In other situations, regions may be in competitive relationships with each other such that a positive change in one region, produces negative effects elsewhere.  In this paper, we outline a simple ‘reduced form’ model that makes it possible to analyse the economic linkages between cities/regions diagrammatically. This framework is compatible with both the New Economic Geography and Urban Systems literatures on the effects of agglomeration. The model makes clear how the system hangs together as an equilibrium, and how spatial disparities can be part of an equilibrium outcome.  Using this framework, I analyse how changes in one region affect another and in so doing show how these effects depend on the nature of a few key relationships. Finally, I present some empirical evidence regarding these key relationships for the British economy.

Biographical Outline

Patricia Rice is Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Economics at the University of Oxford. Prior to this she was Senior Lecturer and Head of Economics at the University of Southampton. Patricia was educated at the universities of Warwick, Harvard and Oxford, and she has taught at the universities of Sussex and British Columbia.  She has worked as a consultant for the World Bank, and is a member of the Department for Communities and Local Government Expert Panel for the Neighbourhoods, Cities and Regions.

Her research interests are primarily in the area of labour economics, and she has published extensively on issues relating to education and training, and labour market transitions for younger workers. More recently, she has been working on applied spatial economics.  The seminar is based around joint research with Professor Tony Venables (LSE) undertaken on behalf of HMT, DTI, and ODPM, on the determinants of spatial variation in income and productivity in Great Britain.

There is no fee for attending the seminar, but pre-registration is required.  As numbers are restricted bookings will be confirmed on a first come basis.  The seminar will be preceded by a buffet lunch.

To register contact:

Anne McCullough
Tel: 028 9072 7352
email: a.mccullough@erini.ac.uk