Abstract

Using a recently developed graph theoretical approach we can delineate regional labour markets in better quality than before. In order to assess the quality of delineation - that is capturing important commuter relations between regions - we use Neman's modularity Q, a measure developed in network science. We use the modularity approach to assess the optimal number of regional labor markets as well. Our research aims on answering various research questions in regional science and regional politics such as:
- How well can delineations on municipality levels be applied on district or state level or other administrative levels?
- Are our regional labor markets more homogeneous with regard to important labor market characteristics and developments?
- How can regional labor markets be characterized and how strong are differences between neighboring labor markets?