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European Funds and Firm Performance: Evidence from a Natural Experiment

Author

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  • Mesquita, José

    (Universidade Nova de Lisboa)

  • Pereira dos Santos, João

    (Queen Mary University of London)

  • Tavares, José

    (Universidade Nova de Lisboa)

Abstract

This paper analyses the impact of European Union (EU) funds on the performance of private firms. In particular, we examine a quasi-natural experiment consisting of a redrawing of administrative areas that expanded regional eligibility and led to a sudden increase in accessibility to EU grants for firms located in 33 Portuguese municipalities. Using a comprehensive linked employer-employee administrative dataset that covers the universe of private firms between 2003 and 2010, our difference-in-differences estimates uncover a significant and positive causal effect of increased eligibility on firms' sales, labour productivity, and average wages, while employment is not significantly altered. While firms' sales in the non-tradable sectors are positively impacted, firms' sales in more competitive, tradable, sectors remain unaffected by increased access to EU funds.

Suggested Citation

  • Mesquita, José & Pereira dos Santos, João & Tavares, José, 2023. "European Funds and Firm Performance: Evidence from a Natural Experiment," IZA Discussion Papers 16526, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16526
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    grants; regional policy; private firm; municipalities; Portugal;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • R10 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - General

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