Exploratory space-time analysis of local economic development

Many questions regarding local economic growth lay at the intersection of the disciplines of geography and economics, that is, the space-time interface. This paper attempts to show how space-time analysis can help identify communities that are at risk from economic contractions. Exploratory data analysis is illustrated to provide insights on the temporal and spatial patterns of economic growth. Then this paper offers a space-time analysis of employment rates in Ohio counties over the time period of 1969–2007.

► New advances in space-time analysis of economic development fit into this discourse regarding economic downturn.
► The methods are built in open source programming environments.
► The space-time perspective is brought to the understanding of local employment rate dynamics in Ohio.
► The cross-fertilization of local economic study and ESDA is realized.