Spatial econometric data analysis: Moving beyond traditional models

This article appraises recent advances in the spatial econometric literature. It serves as the introduction too collection of new papers on spatial econometric data analysis brought together in this special issue, dealing specifically with new extensions to the spatial econometric modeling perspective. Although the initial development of the field of spatial econometrics has been rather slow, the Dixit-Stiglitz revolution and the emergence of the New Economy Geography have been instrumental in uplifting the significance and the use of spatial data analysis techniques. Concurrent developments in other social sciences parallel this situation in economics. The upsurge in spatial econometrics is, among other things, driven by the recognition that traditional spatial econometric models are insufficient to capture modern theoretical developments. Therefore, this issue brings together a collection of articles on space-time and discrete choice modeling, spatial nonstationarity, and the methodology and empirics of regional economic growth models.