A modified generalized estimating equation approach for simultaneous spatial durbin panel model: Case study of economic growth in ASEAN countries

This article briefly explains the simultaneous spatial durbin panel (SSDP) model. The study of the SSDP model is substantial because it can explain the interaction between geographic units, is more informative, diverse, efficient, exhaustive, and accurate in reaching conclusions that influence the policy determination. This article’s intention is to derive a parameter estimation method from the SSDP model using a modified generalized estimating equation approach, which is then used to model economic growth in ASEAN nations. This article compares the SSDP model with rook contiguity, 2-nearest neighbors, and a customized spatial weighted matrix in relation to an independent, first-order autoregressive, exchangeable working correlation structure. To model economic growth in ASEAN countries, a customized weighted matrix with first-order autoregressive and exchangeable working correlations is chosen based on the CIC value. The parameter analysis outcomes indicate: 1) it is a significant spatial dependence among ASEAN countries; 2) it is a significant simultaneous interaction among the gross domestic product (GDP) and foreign direct investment (FDI); 3) GDP has a greater influence on FDI than FDI does on GDP; 4) The economic growth is directly affected by the labor force total; and 5) trade openness has a direct effect on FDI.