QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION AND MAPPING OF TERRITORIAL SHIFTS IN THE WORLD ECONOMY BRANCHES

Abstract

A variety of methods are used in economic geography to analyze changes in spatial distribution of production but no common methodology is applied. This is first and foremost because the statistical data regarding different branches of economy is highly variable in terms of availability, timeliness, fullness and coverage. Very often geographers apply statistical analysis methods to estimate the scale of spatial changes. In statistics, a number of indexes are used to measure structural changes but not all of them are equally suitable for evaluating spatial relocation processes. Our analysis suggests that such indexes should be used with caution. The adequate visualization is also necessary to complement the above-mentioned mathematical methods. Therefore, our methodological approach is based on a combination of mathematical, statistical and cartographic procedures which help to evaluate territorial shifts of production within an industry both internationally (i.e. on a worldwide level) and with respect to a given territory (i.e. country or region). These procedures are illustrated using the automotive industry as an example. The proposed methodology is based on relative indicators showing the countries’ shares in world production and therefore it could be applied to study changes in spatial distribution of both manufacturing and provision of services. Major driving forces behind the above-mentioned territorial shifts in the automotive industry during 2000-2014 are summarized. It is emphasized that these driving forces are common for many branches although their influence varies from industry to industry.