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Income polarization and innovation: Evidence from African economies

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  • Azomahou, Theophile

    (UNU-MERIT/MGSoG, Maastricht University)

  • Diene, Mbaye

    (University Cheikh-Anta-Diop, CRES)

Abstract

This paper examines the degree of polarization of GDP per capita of African economies between 1966 and 2008. Based on a nonparametric analysis, we find that countries tend to cluster in two classes of per capita GDP. Relying on the Wolfson's bipolarization measure, the results reveal that bipolarization has been accelerating during the two first decades and is still growing. We relate the evolution of polarization during the period to the business sectors. We find that countries specialization is the driving force of this evolution, namely, agriculture and industry sectors. We also study the innovation-development polarization relation in a VAR framework using patents and trademarks as measures of innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Azomahou, Theophile & Diene, Mbaye, 2012. "Income polarization and innovation: Evidence from African economies," MERIT Working Papers 2012-048, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    • Handle: RePEc:unm:unumer:2012048
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Polarization of GDP; patents; trademarks; VAR model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C32 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes; State Space Models
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa

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