Journal of Economics and Development Studies

An Empirical Analysis of Education, Infrastructure, and Regional Growth in Mexico
Adam G. Walke; Thomas M. Fullerton, Jr.; Martha Patricia Barraza de Anda; Lisbeily Domínguez Ruvalcaba

Abstract
Various studies suggest that regions with larger stocks of physical infrastructure and human capital often exhibit comparatively robust economic performance. The research at hand examines whether this is the case for regions within Mexico using data from the 2010 Census and other sources. Aggregate production functions are estimated in order to analyze the determinants of economic performance across Mexican states. Explanatory variables include kilometers of highways, airport runway lengths, percentages of adults in each state with education beyond the primary level, and the number of certified researchers as a share of the national total. In line with prior research, results indicate that regional-level investments in transportation infrastructure and education will likely facilitate economic growth in Mexico. An out-of-sample policy simulation is used to further quantify regional economic throughout the country.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jeds.v3n4a1