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Explaining regional disparities in Central and Eastern Europe : The role of geography and of structural change

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  • Sheila Chapman
  • Valentina Meliciani

Abstract

The paper analyses the determinants and the evolution of income disparities across regions within Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) over 1991–2011. We add to the literature in different ways. First, we adapt the categories that Rodriguez‐Pose used for studying convergence among old EU members to CEECs regions. This allows us to assess the relevance of geo‐sectoral groups (urban areas, old industrialized areas and peripheral areas) for newcomer regions. Second, we introduce a new category, that of ‘successful Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)‐based restructuring’ in order to capture regions that, often through considerable FDI, manage to reconvert their old industrial base. We then analyze whether this group helps understand catching‐up/falling behind processes in CEECs. We test the relevance of these groups by means of both non‐parametric and spatial regression analyses. We find that they help explain the increase in within‐countries’ regional disparities especially after the turn of the century.

Suggested Citation

  • Sheila Chapman & Valentina Meliciani, 2018. "Explaining regional disparities in Central and Eastern Europe : The role of geography and of structural change," The Economics of Transition, The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, vol. 26(3), pages 469-494, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:etrans:v:26:y:2018:i:3:p:469-494
    DOI: 10.1111/ecot.12154
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stefania Oppido & Stefania Ragozino & Gabriella Esposito De Vita, 2023. "Peripheral, Marginal, or Non-Core Areas? Setting the Context to Deal with Territorial Inequalities through a Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-36, July.
    2. Ҫurçija Mario & Bejleri Emirjeta, 2020. "Urban Population Growth and Job Opportunities: The Case of Albania," Naše gospodarstvo/Our economy, Sciendo, vol. 66(4), pages 28-39, December.
    3. Cutrini, Eleonora & Mendez, Carlos, 2023. "Convergence clubs and spatial structural change in the European Union," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 167-181.
    4. Valentina Meliciani & Daniela Cagno & Andrea Fabrizi & Marco Marini, 2022. "Knowledge networks in joint research projects, innovation and economic growth across European regions," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 68(3), pages 549-586, June.
    5. Byambasuren Dorjnyambuu, 2025. "A Systematic Literature Review of Income Inequality in Central–Eastern European Countries," Comparative Economic Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Association for Comparative Economic Studies, vol. 67(1), pages 1-49, March.
    6. Liu, Jianzhi & Fang, Yangang & Wang, Ruru & Zou, Cunming, 2022. "Rural typology dynamics and drivers in peripheral areas: A case of Northeast China," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).

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