Uncovering Functional Blocks in Interregional Production Networks: Evidence from Input-Output Linkages in Japan

Fuente: arXiv
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Autore principale: Fujishima, Shota
Natura: Preprint
Pubblicazione: 2026
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author Fujishima, Shota
author_facet Fujishima, Shota
contents This paper examines the latent functional block structure of Japan's production network using interregional input-output data. To isolate non-trivial production linkages, we first estimate a structural gravity model to account for spatial frictions and economic scale, and then apply a weighted stochastic blockmodel (SBM) to the resulting residual network. Because these residual linkages often connect distant regions, the SBM is well suited to grouping region-industry pairs based on their shared macroeconomic roles. The results reveal that even after explicitly filtering out the mechanical effects of geographic proximity, the network is organized into functional blocks that maintain a high degree of regional coherence. Beyond this baseline spatial clustering, we find evidence of cross-regional integration, a structural bifurcation between manufacturing and urban services in metropolitan areas, and broadly spanning primary sectors. These findings provide a network-based perspective on regional coordination, offering guidance for how structurally defined production blocks-rather than simple geographic proximity-can inform wide-area policy design.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2603_25300
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Uncovering Functional Blocks in Interregional Production Networks: Evidence from Input-Output Linkages in Japan
Fujishima, Shota
Physics and Society
General Economics
Economics
This paper examines the latent functional block structure of Japan's production network using interregional input-output data. To isolate non-trivial production linkages, we first estimate a structural gravity model to account for spatial frictions and economic scale, and then apply a weighted stochastic blockmodel (SBM) to the resulting residual network. Because these residual linkages often connect distant regions, the SBM is well suited to grouping region-industry pairs based on their shared macroeconomic roles. The results reveal that even after explicitly filtering out the mechanical effects of geographic proximity, the network is organized into functional blocks that maintain a high degree of regional coherence. Beyond this baseline spatial clustering, we find evidence of cross-regional integration, a structural bifurcation between manufacturing and urban services in metropolitan areas, and broadly spanning primary sectors. These findings provide a network-based perspective on regional coordination, offering guidance for how structurally defined production blocks-rather than simple geographic proximity-can inform wide-area policy design.
title Uncovering Functional Blocks in Interregional Production Networks: Evidence from Input-Output Linkages in Japan
topic Physics and Society
General Economics
Economics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.25300