Average wage level as a new port performance indicator: A method and illustration of U.S. port counties
Résumé
Port-related impacts are often presented in terms of quantity, e.g. employment generated in the port. The quality of jobs, in terms of average wage level is hardly discussed. This is surprising given the fact that most economists (and macro-economic models) assume labour markets work relatively efficiently. Thus, it is assumed people employed in the port would not be employed elsewhere if there was no employment in the port sector. This paper argues that in advanced economies, the average wage level is a better indicator of the role of ports in realizing economic wealth in a given area. Methodological issues are discussed and an empirical analysis of US port counties is presented. Results show that average wage level in core activities - transport and warehousing - are related to the size of the counties (e.g. population and workforce) and to their economic specialization. Notably, specializing in freight-related activity strengthens wage levels while additional specializations such as manufacturing, trade, and logistics are associated with lower performance of port counties. These patterns may be explained by the importance of central place over coastal locations in the firms' networks in terms of spatial division of labor
Domaines
Géographie
Origine : Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s)
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