Abstract
This study aims to investigate the
impact of fiscal expenditures and tax policies at the county and city level in
Taiwan on the number of local business registrations, with particular emphasis
on identifying potential spatial spillover effects. To this end, the study
compiles panel data covering 22 counties and cities in Taiwan from 2000 to
2023. In terms of spatial dependence, Moran’s I index is employed to test the
spatial autocorrelation of business activities, and the spatial weight matrix
is constructed based on the queen contiguity criterion. Based on the results of
the Hausman test and model fit comparison, the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) with
random effects is ultimately selected as the most appropriate model. Empirical
findings reveal significant spatial autocorrelation in the distribution of
business registrations. Both fiscal expenditure and tax variables exhibit not
only direct impacts on local jurisdictions but also significant spatial
spillover effects. In particular, expenditures on education, science, and
culture show a notable positive influence on business formation in neighboring
regions. Conversely, certain tax variables exhibit negative spillovers,
suggesting that interjurisdictional policy competition may be present.
JEL classification numbers: C71, H72,
R12, C33.
Keywords: Spatial Durbin Model,
Fiscal Expenditure, Tax Policy, Business Registration, Spatial Spillover Effect.