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Regional Policy Evaluation: Interactive Fixed Effects and Synthetic Controls

Author

Listed:
  • Gobillon, Laurent

    (Paris School of Economics)

  • Magnac, Thierry

    (University of Toulouse I)

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the use of interactive effect or linear factor models in regional policy evaluation. We contrast treatment effect estimates obtained by Bai (2009)'s least squares method with the popular difference in difference estimates as well as with estimates obtained using synthetic control approaches as developed by Abadie and coauthors. We show that difference in differences are generically biased and we derive the support conditions that are required for the application of synthetic controls. We construct an extensive set of Monte Carlo experiments to compare the performance of these estimation methods in small samples. As an empirical illustration, we also apply them to the evaluation of the impact on local unemployment of an enterprise zone policy implemented in France in the 1990s.

Suggested Citation

  • Gobillon, Laurent & Magnac, Thierry, 2013. "Regional Policy Evaluation: Interactive Fixed Effects and Synthetic Controls," IZA Discussion Papers 7493, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp7493
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    33. repec:hal:journl:peer-00796743 is not listed on IDEAS
    34. repec:hal:pseose:hal-00812979 is not listed on IDEAS
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    economic geography; synthetic controls; linear factor models; policy evaluation; enterprise zones;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
    • J64 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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