A Panel Data Model with Generalized Higher-Order Network Effects

Many data situations require the consideration of network effects among the cross-sectional units of observation. In this chapter, the authors present a generalized panel model which accounts for two features: (i) network effects present through weighted dependent variables as regressors, exogenous variables, as well as the error components, and (ii) higher-order network effects due to ex ante unknown network decay functions or the presence of multiplex (multi-layer) networks among all of those. The authors outline the model, the basic assumptions, and present simulation results.