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Power Laws and Regional Convergence

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  • Calvin Blackwell
  • Frank Hefner
  • Emily Lindberg

Abstract

Classical economic growth theory suggests that regions will converge. Using data from 198 countries, we test the convergence hypothesis by investigating whether GDP, per capita GDP, and population follow a power law distribution. We are unable to reject the hypothesis that these variables follow a power law distribution. Our research supports the hypothesis of random growth, which is consistent with both log normal and power law distributions.

Suggested Citation

  • Calvin Blackwell & Frank Hefner & Emily Lindberg, 2014. "Power Laws and Regional Convergence," The American Economist, Sage Publications, vol. 59(1), pages 70-75, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:amerec:v:59:y:2014:i:1:p:70-75
    DOI: 10.1177/056943451405900106
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ron Martin & Peter Sunley, 1998. "Slow Convergence? The New Endogenous Growth Theory and Regional Development," Economic Geography, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 74(3), pages 201-227, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Huang, Siyu & Shi, Yi & Chen, Qinghua & Li, Xiaomeng, 2022. "The growth path of high-tech industries: Statistical laws and evolution demands," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 603(C).

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