Urban Evolution in the European Union: Assessing Zipf's and Gibrat's Laws in EU Cities Post-Integration

Apr 27, 2024, 2:00 PM
30m
206 (BAC)

206

BAC

AUBG
Economics Afternoon Talks

Speaker

Ceyhun Elgin (AUBG)

Description

Academic research indicates that urban systems exhibit a population distribution adhering to a power law, when there is unrestricted labor mobility within the population. In theory, a parallel power law population distribution is expected for sub-populations experiencing full labor mobility. Given this, in the landscape of the European Union (EU), this study investigates the relationship between urban population dynamics and regional integration. Focused on the post-integration era, we explore the extent to which cities in EU member countries adhere to the principles outlined by Zipf's and Gibrat's laws, particularly in light of the free labor mobility facilitated by EU membership. This research endeavors to shed light on the transformative impact of increased mobility and economic collaboration on the demographic patterns of cities within the EU. Utilizing an extensive dataset spanning three decades, our analysis aims to unravel the population distributions in EU cities and discern the theoretical expectations set by Zipf's and Gibrat's laws. We scrutinize the relationship between urban development and regional integration, considering factors such as economic growth, innovation, and spatial relationships in shaping demographic landscapes. In this regard, this study not only contributes to the understanding of urban dynamics within the EU but also offers insights into the broader implications of regional integration on city development. By dissecting population trends in the context of EU membership, our findings provide valuable perspectives for policymakers and urban planners navigating the complexities of sustainable city development in an interconnected and ever-changing global context.

Title Urban Evolution in the European Union: Assessing Zipf's and Gibrat's Laws in EU Cities Post-Integration

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