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Public vs Private: Electricity and Telecommunications in Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Charalampos Karagiannakis

    (Economics Research Centre, University of Cyprus)

  • Elena Ketteni

    (Economics Research Centre, University of Cyprus)

  • Theofanis P. Mamuneas

    (Department of Economics and Economics Research Centre, University of Cyprus)

  • Panos Pashardes

    (Department of Economics and Economics Research Centre, University of Cyprus)

Abstract

This paper investigates how the ownership - public and/or private - regime of the telecommunications and electricity industries relates to various indicators of economic performance in European countries. We measure economic performance by calculating total factor productivity, labour productivity and real unit labour cost. The empirical analysis, based on data drawn from Eurostat over the period 1996-2011, suggests that state ownership is associated with inefficiency. Government intervention should, therefore, be confined to promoting competition and discouraging practices that enable private firms to maximise profits at the expense of consumers.

Suggested Citation

  • Charalampos Karagiannakis & Elena Ketteni & Theofanis P. Mamuneas & Panos Pashardes, 2014. "Public vs Private: Electricity and Telecommunications in Europe," Cyprus Economic Policy Review, University of Cyprus, Economics Research Centre, vol. 8(1), pages 53-70, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:erc:cypepr:v:8:y:2014:i:1:p:53-70
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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