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The political economy of public research, or why some governments commit to research more than others

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  • Andrea Filippetti

    (Italian National Research Council (CNR))

  • Antonio Vezzani

    (b University Roma Tre, Department of Economics)

Abstract

Regardless a generalised consensus about the economic benefits of public research, it has been following different patterns across countries. Why do some governments invest in public research more than others? By relying on political economy literature, we frame investment in public research as a choice shaped by the political institutions of countries. We find robust relationships between public-funded research and political institutions. Countries with parliamentary forms of government, proportional electoral rules and bicameralism legislatures spend more in research; the presence of encompassing civic society organizations also encourages public research. Majoritarian-like reforms which reduce representation might discourage forward government commitment harming the longterm economic growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Filippetti & Antonio Vezzani, "undated". "The political economy of public research, or why some governments commit to research more than others," Departmental Working Papers of Economics - University 'Roma Tre' 0257, Department of Economics - University Roma Tre.
    • Handle: RePEc:rtr:wpaper:0257
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    public research; political economy; R&D; consensual democracy; public choice; civil organizations;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies

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