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More similar and less equal. Economic growth in the European regions

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  • R. Paci

Abstract

This paper examines the growth process of 109 European regions using a new data base. Applying various statistical tools, it studies the evolution of two variables - per capita income and labour productivity. The convergence process is also analysed at the sectoral level. The main results are the following. There has been a clear process of aggregate productivity convergence across the European regions over the 1980s. At the sectoral level, the picture is far more intricate - there has not been convergence in agriculture, while the industrial and services sectors show ?-convergence accompanied by a constant degree of dispersion in the distribution. Most crucially the regional dispersion in per capita income has remained almost constant, so that the differences in wealth conditions of the European citizens are still extremely high. This last result suggests the need for more effective regional policies by the European Union and the national governments

Suggested Citation

  • R. Paci, 1996. "More similar and less equal. Economic growth in the European regions," Working Paper CRENoS 199609, Centre for North South Economic Research, University of Cagliari and Sassari, Sardinia.
    • Handle: RePEc:cns:cnscwp:199609
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paci, Raffaele & Pigliaru, Francesco, 1997. "Structural change and convergence: an Italian regional perspective," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 8(3), pages 297-318, August.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General
    • O41 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - One, Two, and Multisector Growth Models
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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