Intrametropolitan firm clustering : measurement, detection and determinants : case study in Boston

Abstract

In this thesis, I attempt to construct a conceptual and computational framework for studying firm clustering at intrametropolitan level. Specifically, this framework includes methods of measuring general industry clustering, detecting sized urbanization clusters and localization clusters, interrelating firm clustering with firms' characteristics and interpreting the appearance of firm clusters at a location with its spatial settings. I apply these methods with firm establishment data to study the patterns and determinants of firm clustering within metropolitan Boston. At the first time, these studies enable us to locate urbanization clusters and localization clusters in a metropolitan area and examine their association with economic and spatial explanting factors, which provides a completely new perspective of observing those spatial economical phenomenons like agglomeration and suburbanization and makes a solid step towards empirical modeling and understanding of them at the micro-level. As demonstrated in this thesis, clustering of firms or employments both end up with significant concentration of employment at some spots with specific attributes. This enables regional planners and policy-makers to apply some findings from this study in improving existing firm clustering patterns or incubating new firm concentrations, which ultimately promote local employment and improve local economics.