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Sigma-Convergence revisited

Author

Listed:
  • Dimitris KALLIORAS

    (Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly)

  • Marie-Noëlle DUQUENNE

    (Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly)

  • Stevi VAFEIADOU

    (Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly)

Abstract

Referring to the diachronic decrease of the overall dispersion of a (regional) dataset, s-convergence is a dominant concept in the empirical regional convergence / divergence litera-ture. The paper revisits the s-convergence concept, expressing the, “classical”, coefficient of variation and weighted coefficient of variation formulas against the backdrop of the median. To this end, the paper specifies and proposes a pair of, “alternative”, formulas for apprehend-ing the s-convergence concept. Such an endeavor stems from the, purely, statistical rationale that the mean is a central tendency measure highly sensitive to the eventual presence of outliers. The theory-driven propositions of the paper are supported from an illustrative em-pirical analysis of regional inequalities in France, at the NUTS III spatial level, for the period 2001-2015. The findings of the analysis provide valuable insight to both theory and policy-making, indicating that different expressions of the s-convergence concept may lead to dif-ferent inferences with respect to regional inequalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Dimitris KALLIORAS & Marie-Noëlle DUQUENNE & Stevi VAFEIADOU, 2018. "Sigma-Convergence revisited," Region et Developpement, Region et Developpement, LEAD, Universite du Sud - Toulon Var, vol. 47, pages 81-96.
    • Handle: RePEc:tou:journl:v:47:y:2018:p:81-96
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Maria Adamakou & Dimitris Kallioras & George Petrakos, 2021. "Detecting Convergence Trends among EU Universities," Economies, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-8, March.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Regional inequalities; s-convergence ; Coefficient of variation ; Weighted coefficient of variation; Mean; Median;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General
    • C18 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Methodolical Issues: 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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