Empirical methods in business location research

Abstract

A frequent theme in regional science is exploring the determinants of business establishment locations. We briefly review the theoretical perspectives motivating several frameworks underpinning locational determinant analyses. We summarize and review trade-offs involved in established and emerging econometric techniques that researchers use to analyse locational determinants. We conclude with opportunities for future research, including understudied frameworks, potential data sources and methodological developments.

Keywords

• business location
• econometric models
• count data
• administrative data