Simulation of gross domestic product in international trade networks: Linear gravity transportation model

Abstract

In this study, we introduce a model to simulate gross domestic product (GDP) for international trade network data. By applying a linear gravity transportation model, we confirm that estimated values approximately agree with the real values of GDP by tuning the model parameters. An exception is the estimated GDP of China that is about two times bigger than the real value. This discrepancy might imply that China’s GDP is not saturated and it is on the way of growing.