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Economic Structure, Technology Diffusion and Convergence: The Case of the Italian Regions

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  • Matteo Lanzafame

Abstract

Taking Italy as a case study, this paper investigates the link between economies' structural similarities and convergence. Specifically, treating technology as sector-specific and modelling technological spillovers as a positive function of the degree of similarity between economies' sectoral features, we propose a modified version of the Solow model and derive an "extended" convergence equation. The latter is then estimated by means of Panel Data procedures and data on the Italian regions over the 1970-1995 period. The results bring empirical support to our approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Matteo Lanzafame, 2005. "Economic Structure, Technology Diffusion and Convergence: The Case of the Italian Regions," Studies in Economics 0507, School of Economics, University of Kent.
    • Handle: RePEc:ukc:ukcedp:0507
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    Cited by:

    1. Aiello, Francesco & Pupo, Valeria, 2012. "Structural funds and the economic divide in Italy," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 34(3), pages 403-418.
    2. Paolo Pierani, 2009. "Multilateral comparison of total factor productivity and convergence in Italian agriculture (1951-2002)," Department of Economic Policy, Finance and Development (DEPFID) University of Siena 0209, Department of Economic Policy, Finance and Development (DEPFID), University of Siena.
    3. Valeria Pupo & Francesco Aiello, 2009. "L'impatto della politica regionale dell'Unione Europea. Uno studio sulle regioni italiane," Rivista italiana degli economisti, Società editrice il Mulino, issue 3, pages 421-454.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Convergence; Technology Diffusion; Regional Growth; Italy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General
    • 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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