An Artificial Neural Network Experiment on the Prediction of the Unemployment Rate

Vîntu, Denis (2025): An Artificial Neural Network Experiment on the Prediction of the Unemployment Rate.

Abstract

Unemployment is one of the most important macroeconomic indicators for evaluating economic performance and social well-being. Forecasting unemployment is crucial for policymakers, yet traditional econometric models often fail to capture nonlinear and dynamic patterns. This paper presents an experiment applying artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict the unemployment rate using macroeconomic data. Results show that ANNs outperform traditional ARIMA models, particularly during stable economic conditions. Implications for policy, limitations, and future research are discussed.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Simultaneous equations model; Labor market equilibrium; Unemployment rate determination; Wage-setting equation; Price-setting equation; Beveridge curve; Job matching function; Phillips curve; Structural unemployment; Natural rate of unemployment; Labor supply and demand; Endogenous unemployment; Disequilibrium model; Employment dynamics; Wage-unemployment relationship; Aggregate labor market model; Multivariate system estimation; Identification problem; Reduced form equations; Equilibrium unemployment rate
• Subjects: C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C3 - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models ; Multiple Variables > C30 - General; C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C3 - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models ; Multiple Variables > C31 - Cross-Sectional Models ; Spatial Models ; Treatment Effect Models ; Quantile Regressions ; Social Interaction Models; C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C3 - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models ; Multiple Variables > C32 - Time-Series Models ; Dynamic Quantile Regressions ; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models ; Diffusion Processes ; State Space Models; C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C3 - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models ; Multiple Variables > C33 - Panel Data Models ; Spatio-temporal Models; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J6 - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers > J64 - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J6 - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers > J68 - Public Policy

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