Dr. Lim’s current research efforts focus on the following four areas.

First, he focuses on the analytical approach to measure the regional economic impact of population migration utilizing analytical tools such as input-output and social accounting systems. The supply of adequate labor force and the provision of public services are prerequisite for a sustainable regional economic development. In this process, the demographic transition should be carefully examined to reflect its impact on regional development policy. His analytical works on regional economic impact, coupled with previous research on interregional migration, provide him with the tools to effectively address such issues of sustainable economic development.

Secondly, he continues to focus on the regional economic cooperation across international border by using integrative approaches to economic development. He plans to extend earlier, more descriptive and interpretive analysis to the development of spatial econometric models to estimate the flows of people (migration) and of goods and services (trade) as well as their economic impact. Findings from the spatial econometric models could then be utilized in the evaluation of alternative investments in regional infrastructure that might help enhance the overall welfare of the region.

Thirdly, having developed a non-linear regression model to estimate the complementary role of interregional migration and trade flows, his aim is to further extend this research by incorporating details about the economic structure of border regions. Immigration policies at the Federal and the State levels have had a great impact on local economic development and the continuing impact of such policies (and their changes) should be clearly measured before the implementation of policies.

Finally, the estimation by regional science models should be properly translated to deliver customized information for various stakeholders in the policy development process. For instance, economic impact analysis based on input-output and computable general equilibrium (CGE) models should accommodate the needs from policy makers and practitioners in local economic development. Too often academics present the model results without critical interpretation, leaving the non-academic community at a loss as to know how to make use of the value-added information generated by these models.

Over the next several years, he expects his research moving in the following directions:

He will bring his research and practical experience on demographic changes and economic impact to model interregional dependence for infrastructure development and its role on regional economic development.

He plans to focus on the impact of R&D activities as an engine for sustainable local economic development. Job creation through innovative activities coupled with the proper investment on the development of the workforce is a new mission for local economic development professionals. An academic program of Urban Affairs and Studies should focus on future challenges for sustainable economic development and he will accommodate this trend within his research and teaching interest.

Finally, large scale spatial analytical models should be properly adjusted to meet the needs of local/urban planners. Most of the regional models that identify the demand for infrastructure development and that identify the economic impact of regional policies do not match the spatial scale of local interests. This should be carefully studied with analytical models and the generation of socioeconomic data at proper scale for regional economic development planning.