High-capacity Road Networks and Spatial Spillovers in Spanish Regions

High-capacity road networks constitute an essential element of territorial structure and generate important economic effects. This article is based on an estimate of this component of public capital in Spanish regions from 1980 to 2008 to evaluate the economic sector impact of such infrastructure. Results show a positive and significant effect on the private sector of the economy. The research focuses on the spillover effects derived from this network infrastructure. The evidence obtained supports the hypothesis that high-capacity road capital in adjacent regions and regions with similar social and economic features also has an effect on private production. © 2012 LSE and the University of Bath