Abstract
Spatial econometrics presents irreplaceable tool for regional analysis. Omitting additional information about geographical location of observed units could neglect some important influences. The spatial weight matrix W determining neighbourhood relations and degree of influence between observed units belongs to the main components of spatial analysis. Various specification approaches of this non-stochastic matrix could be applied. There is a commonly held belief that spatial regression models are sensitive to spatial weight structure. Some analytics consider it as a myth and points out incorrect interpretation of the model coefficients or misspecified models. Does it really matter what kind of specification is used? This contribution brings an empirical example of several approaches to neighbourhood specification and compares obtained results. According to findings of this analysis, especially spillover effects are incomparable. That confirms unequal performance of spatial structures. The W matrix should be built carefully at the beginning of each spatial analysis task.
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