Spatial and Commuting Networks: A Unifying Perspective

Abstract

The present paper investigates, for the case of Germany, the relevance of the volume and distribution of commuting flows, as well as of the commuting network’s connectivity and topology. We aim to assess how network topology and its changes over time affect the geographic commuting system and its hierarchies. The reason for studying the commuting network in a connectivity perspective is inspired by the idea that the distribution of commuting can help explain other relevant economic phenomena, such as the convergence or divergence of labour market indicators (see for example Patacchini and Zenou 2007) or production levels. In this regard, the value added of network analysis is that it allows inspecting – in an intuitive fashion – commuting-induced topology and accessibility. Therefore, we aim to further inspect the connectivity perspective, to improve our understanding of the spatial-economic perspective.