Gravitational Fields and Local Moran's I in Economics: Analyzing the Spatial Structure of Labor and Capital in the USA

In this article, we apply the notion of gravitational fields to commercial attraction, with the aim of providing valuable insights to inform the development of an econophysical methodology. We revisit the traditional notion of gravitational fields, extending it to encompass multiple economic variables and incorporating mobility and production‐related factors. Following Isard's approach, we apply the gravitational framework to spatial analysis, mapping the interactions among economic forces generated by the individual fields of different regions. To capture the cumulative intensity of these multi‐source interactions, we introduce the Integrated Gravitational Potential Gradient (IPG), a scalar field measure that quantifies systemic macro‐regional economic attraction. This provides insights into spatial concentration phenomena, particularly in the American market. Our approach involves a comprehensive cross‐analysis that integrates gravitational fields and Moran's I, enabling the identification and analysis of patterns of spatial concentration and dispersion. By combining gravitational fields and Moran's I Test, we advance the study of trade dynamics beyond traditional economic theories, uncovering new perspectives on the complexity of spatial interactions. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how economic forces shape spatial patterns and highlights the significance of spatial analysis in understanding trade and market dynamics.