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The Link between Devolution and Regional Disparities: Evidence from the Italian Regions

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  • Lapo Calamai

    (Department for Work and Pensions, The Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT, England)

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between devolution and regional disparities by looking at the case of Italy. By integrating the relevant quantitative and qualitative evidence, it attempts to answer two questions. Did the devolutionary process exert a positive influence on regional convergence in Italy? And, if so, why have its beneficial economic effects been concentrated in the Mezzogiorno? A clear historical link between the upsurge of devolution and the reduction of spatial inequalities is identified. However, this relationship plays out in a rather indirect way, and is strongly influenced by a series of exogenous factors which are thoroughly analysed.

Suggested Citation

  • Lapo Calamai, 2009. "The Link between Devolution and Regional Disparities: Evidence from the Italian Regions," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 41(5), pages 1129-1151, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:41:y:2009:i:5:p:1129-1151
    DOI: 10.1068/a40282
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    2. Christian Lessmann, 2012. "Regional Inequality and Decentralization: An Empirical Analysis," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 44(6), pages 1363-1388, June.
    3. Bilali Jidda, 2014. "Assessment of the Technical Preparedness of County Governments of Kenya in the Adoption of E-Procurement: A Case of Garissa County," International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, Human Resource Management Academic Research Society, International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, vol. 4(7), pages 489-504, July.
    4. Francesca Modena & Concetta Rondinelli & Fabio Sabatini, 2014. "Economic Insecurity and Fertility Intentions: The Case of Italy," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 60(S1), pages 233-255, May.
    5. Jonathan Muringani, 2022. "Trust as a catalyst for regional growth in a decentralized Europe: The interplay between informal and formal institutions in driving economic growth," Journal of Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 62(5), pages 1229-1249, November.
    6. Maria Teresa Balaguer-Coll & Diego Prior & Emili Tortosa-Ausina, 2010. "Devolution Dynamics of Spanish Local Government," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 42(6), pages 1476-1495, June.
    7. Torrisi, Gianpiero & Pike, Andy & Tomaney, John & Tselios, Vassilis, 2011. "(Re-)exploring the link between devolution and regional disparities in Italy," MPRA Paper 32212, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    8. Nupur Nirola & Sohini Sahu & Atrayee Choudhury, 2022. "Fiscal decentralization, regional disparity, and the role of corruption," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 68(3), pages 757-787, June.

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