ABSTRACT
Regional public good (RPG) is simply a public good that provides nonexclusive and nonrival benefits to individuals in a well-defined region. This chapter presents a new dataset on the production of RPGs. The RPG cooperation data set is expandable so as to incorporate trade agreements from the World Trade Organization and treaties between multilateral organizations, among others. Data-driven approach enables people to map the existing ecosystem of RPG cooperation and observe patterns across space, time, and types of public goods. Data-driven approach is to measure RPG cooperation by reviewing the existing definitions and concepts surrounding RPGs and their provision. The nature of RPGs is such that efficient provision likely requires institutional mechanisms that allow for coordination and cooperation among two or more countries. The chapter describes the data set and methods employed in empirical analysis. The methodology employed is informed by various difficulties in defining and measuring RPGs, as well as the problematic nature of the concept "region" itself.
