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Direct and indirect effects of universities on European regional productivity

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  • E. Marrocu
  • R. Paci
  • S. Usai

Abstract

For the first time we investigate the effects that Universities exert on Total Factor Productivity dynamics for a very ample sample of 270 European regions over the period 2000-2016. This novel contribution goes beyond the traditional human capital and technological capital indirect effects and proposes a sound empirical assessment of the highly differentiated "third mission" activities. These are unique to engaged academic institutions and shape the key role they play as societal development-promoting agencies. Our analysis provides evidence of sizeable and robust universities direct supply-side effects, which complement the traditional ones in driving European regional productivity growth.

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  • E. Marrocu & R. Paci & S. Usai, 2021. "Direct and indirect effects of universities on European regional productivity," Working Paper CRENoS 202107, Centre for North South Economic Research, University of Cagliari and Sassari, Sardinia.
    • Handle: RePEc:cns:cnscwp:202107
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    university; Regional Total Factor Productivity; human capital; technological capital; Universities' third mission;
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