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Dynamic Macroeconomic Effects of Public Capital: Evidence from Regional Italian Data

Author

Listed:
  • Valter Di Giacinto
  • Giacinto Micucci
  • Pasqualino Montanaro

    (Bank of Italy, Regional Economic Research Unit)

Abstract

Based on a VAR model, which allows to take into account direct and indirect links between the variables, this paper shows that public capital positively and persistently affects GDP in Italy and in its main geographic areas. This result is also attributable to a strong stimulus exerted on private capital (crowding in). A higher elasticity of GDP to public capital is estimated for the South, whereas marginal productivity turns out to be higher in the Centre-North. This suggests that public capital has a lower economic return in the South, bearing out the existence of a potential conflict between equity and efficiency goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Valter Di Giacinto & Giacinto Micucci & Pasqualino Montanaro, 2010. "Dynamic Macroeconomic Effects of Public Capital: Evidence from Regional Italian Data," Giornale degli Economisti, GDE (Giornale degli Economisti e Annali di Economia), Bocconi University, vol. 69(1), pages 29-66, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gde:journl:gde_v69_n1_p29-66
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    Cited by:

    1. Valter Di Giacinto & Giacinto Micucci & Pasqualino Montanaro, 2012. "Network effects of public transport infrastructure: Evidence on Italian regions," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 91(3), pages 515-541, August.
    2. Massiani, Jerome, 2019. "CGE Analysis of Mega Events: A Timely Issue," Conference papers 333109, Purdue University, Center for Global Trade Analysis, Global Trade Analysis Project.
    3. Valter Di Giacinto & Giacinto Micucci & Pasqualino Montanaro, 2012. "The Macroeconomic Impact of Infrastructures: A Literature Review and Empirical Analysis on the Case of Italy," QA - Rivista dell'Associazione Rossi-Doria, Associazione Rossi Doria, issue 1, March.
    4. Piero Cipollone & Pasqualino Montanaro & Paolo Sestito, 2010. "Value-Added Measures in Italian High Schools: Problems and Findings," Giornale degli Economisti, GDE (Giornale degli Economisti e Annali di Economia), Bocconi University, vol. 69(2), pages 81-114, July.
    5. Elisa Cal? & Roberta Garganese & Nunzio Mastrorocco, 2017. "Pianificazione strategica, strumenti di programmazione e attuazione degli investimenti nel settore dei trasporti: crescita del divario Nord-Sud," ECONOMIA PUBBLICA, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2017(2), pages 135-161.
    6. Maria Jennifer Grisorio & Francesco Prota, 2015. "The Impact of Fiscal Decentralization on the Composition of Public Expenditure: Panel Data Evidence from Italy," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(12), pages 1941-1956, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public capital; crowding in effects; Italian regional divides; VAR models;
    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
    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures
    • R53 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Public Facility Location Analysis; Public Investment and Capital Stock

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