About SEEC

The Centre is focused on cutting-edge research in spatial economics, spatial econometrics and spatial statistics and developing knowledge exchange at regional, national and international levels.

Sharing expertise

SEEC is a new centre made up of members who have considerable experience in publication and knowledge exchange at regional, national and international levels. This expertise forms the core of SEEC which is particularly focused on taking cutting-edge research in spatial economics, spatial econometrics and spatial statistics to users of such research, through an active programme of knowledge exchange and continuing professional development.

Fostering high level collaboration

A core activity of the Centre is to organise a high profile visitor programme to bring leading researchers from across the world to SEEC, to exchange ideas, present seminars and engage in collaborative research. In addition, we plan to host one major international conference in spatial economics and cognate areas every two years, and a research workshop in the intervening years.

We also draw on research synergies across several disciplines within Heriot-Watt University and beyond, particularly the School of the Built Environment (SBE), the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, the Institute of Petroleum Engineering (IPE), the British Geological Survey (BGS), management disciplines within the School of Management and Languages (SML) and the Centre for Analysis of Resources, Energy and Sustainability (CARES). 

Strong ties with industry and public bodies

We have strong ties with several industry and public bodies (such as, the Bank of England, British Petroleum, the European Central Bank, Edinburgh and Glasgow City Councils, Hometrack, Independent Projects Analysis (IPA) LLC and Timberlake Consultants), as well as close links with many scholarly societies, including: 

  • American Statistical Association
  • British Geological Survey
  • Econometric Society
  • Institute of Mathematical Statistics
  • International Association for Applied Econometrics
  • International Statistical Institute
  • Regional Science Association International and its sections
  • Royal Economic Society
  • Royal Statistical Society
  • Spatial Econometrics Association
  • Stata Users' Group