Topic :Spatial sorting and university location

Abstract:The economics literature extensively explores the spatial sorting of college and non-college workers into different UScities.While cross-city differences in productivity,localamenities and housing prices have been recognized as primary drivers,this paper delves into the significance of the geographic location of universities in shaping the spatial distribution ofskills.Importantly,it distinguishes college graduates based on the specific university where they received their degrees.To investigate this,we compile multiple datasets,including the work histories of hundreds of millions of LinkedIn users and universal job posting data from Burning Glass Technology (BGT).We document three key facts:(1) cities with a high concentration of college workers also produce (educate) more college graduates;(2) locally educated college graduates are the primary source of city's college laborforce,andthe relianceon local universities fall as cities become more productive cities which can attract talent from distant institutions; and (3) among college graduates,there is significant variation in the quality of graduates hosted by different cities,with productive cities and those housing elite universities disproportionately hosting graduates from prestigious schools.To explain these observations,we build a spatial general equilibrium model that considers multiple forces.Our findings suggestthat,in addition to previously emphasize economic forces,thegeographic location of universities plays a quantitatively important role in shaping these spatial sorting.

Introduction of theLecturer:

ChenLiu,male,was born in Yantai,Shandong province.He received his B.S.in Mathematics from Tongji University,M.S.in International Relations from the University of California,SanDiego,andPh.D.in economics.In 2019,he joined the Department of Economics of the National University of Singapore as Assistant Professor ofEconomics.His research focuses on the impact of globalization (international trade migration) and technological innovation on the wealth gap and labor employment.His doctoral graduation essay is published in journal ofinternational economics,brookingspapers on economic activity.During the PhD he had obtained NBER Pre-DoctoralFellowship,Alfred P Sloan Foundation.

Time:December 21,2023 16:00-17:30

Venue: B321,ZhixinBuilding,CentralCampus