Robust PCA Synthetic Control

Abstract

This study proposes a five-step algorithm for synthetic control method for comparative studies. My algorithm builds on the synthetic control model of Abadie et al., 2015 and the later model of Amjad et al., 2018. I apply all three methods (robust PCA synthetic control, synthetic control, and robust synthetic control) to answer the hypothetical question, what would have been the per capita GDP of West Germany if it had not reunified with East Germany in 1990? I then apply all three algorithms in two placebo studies and a robustness check.