Clustered panel data models: an efficient approach for nowcasting from poor data

Nowcasting regards the inference on the present realization of random variables, on the basis of information available until a recent past. This paper proposes a modelling strategy aimed at a best use of the data for nowcasting based on panel data with severe deficiencies, namely short times series and many missing data. The basic idea consists of introducing a clustering approach into the usual panel data model specification. A case study in the field of R&D variables illustrates the proposed modelling strategy.