Agglomeration, Migration and Tax Competition

Abstract

The paper focuses on tax competition and international migration in R&D sectors as agglomeration forces and trade restrictions are present. Core countries in economically integrating regions adapt tax rates to keep their industrial status quo. Unlike the often discussed “race to the bottom” result, tax rates are increased and the provision of public goods is maintained. Additionally, tax rates that redistribute between mobile and immobile labor lead to a tax burden that favors mobile labor. As economic integration continues, the cutback of factor mobility restrictions for skilled labor supports economic development in core countries at the expense of periphery countries.Economic Geography, Agglomeration, Migration, Tax Competition