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Inclusive Growth. Identification and Analysis of Local Labour Systems 2021

Year of relationship: 2023

Team:

• Joan Trullén
• Vittorio Galletto
• Sandra Aguilera
• Marc Figuls
• Francesc Coll

Institution: AMB

This work uses data from the 2021 Census to identify and analyze the Local Labour Systems (LLS) in Spain defined using the Sforzi-Istat methodology. LLS constitute a geographic entity from which to measure and analyze the evolution of the labor market at a level of territorial detail adjusted to the functional structure of the territory, defined based on the interactions for work reasons between citizens.
The analysis of the LLS obtained with the 2021 Census data allows us to highlight the diversity in the 330 LLS identified in Spain, with marked variations in population, territory and density. The two LLS with the largest population are Madrid (6.9 million people) and Barcelona (5.2 million people). In Catalonia, the 28 LLS identified represent 16.6% of the Spanish population, and the LLS of Barcelona alone represents two-thirds of the population and more than 70% of employment in Catalonia.
The largest SLTs have experienced notable increases in both population and employment, reflecting the more general increase in the economy as a whole. In Catalonia, employment has increased by 400,000 people since 2011, with a main boost from services and high-tech industries.
A change in relative specialization is observed: in SLTs with more inhabitants, there is an increase in services and advanced industries, while in less populated areas, specialization in agriculture increases. Industry, despite remaining stable in high-tech sectors, has seen a reduction in other areas (intermediate and traditional technology). At an aggregate level, the increase in industrial specialization in Spain has been accompanied by differentiated regional dynamics.
Especially in Catalonia, industry stands out in SLTs with more inhabitants, especially in advanced technology sectors. The conclusions of this study show that specific analysis by type of SLT is crucial to understanding this diversity. In general, this heterogeneity shows a growing urbanization and centralization of economic activity, mainly in the large areas of Madrid and Barcelona.

Download:

• Report of Inclusive Growth. Identification and Analysis of Local Labour Systems 2021