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Regional convergence and economic performance: a case study of the West German Laender

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  • Buscher, Herbert S.
  • Felder, Johannes
  • Steiner, Viktor

Abstract

In the paper we analyze the convergence process of the West German Laender from 1970 to 1995 using descriptive tools as well as panel estimation methods. Although there have been some winners in this process, the main finding is that convergence was insufficient in the sense that no gains have been achieved with respect to a stronger harmonization of the economic performances in the Laender. Some of them proofed to be unable to respond adequately to structural changes, whereas others successfully overcame those challenges. Panel estimates of production functions of the Laender reveal no significant differences in the production technology across Laender.

Suggested Citation

  • Buscher, Herbert S. & Felder, Johannes & Steiner, Viktor, 1999. "Regional convergence and economic performance: a case study of the West German Laender," ZEW Discussion Papers 99-10, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:zewdip:5227
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    Cited by:

    1. Jens K. Perret, 2019. "Regional Convergence in the Russian Federation: Spatial and Temporal Dynamics," Journal of Quantitative Economics, Springer;The Indian Econometric Society (TIES), vol. 17(1), pages 11-39, March.

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    More about this item

    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
    • E10 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models - - - General
    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models

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