We propose two model-based measures of the intensity of local and global agglomeration patterns at the industry level. Spatial plant dispersion in a given industry is modeled as the outcome of an error components process that provides a convenient framework for the simultaneous treatment of...

Two main hypotheses are usually put forward to explain the productivity advantages of larger cities: agglomeration economies and firm selection. Combes et al. (2012) propose an empirical approach to disentangle these two effects and fail to find any impact of selection on local productivity...