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Total Factor Productivity, Efficiency, and Technological Change in the European Regions: A Nonparametric Approach

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  • Roberto Ezcurra
  • Belen Iraizoz
  • Pedro Pascual

Abstract

This paper examines the global trend of total factor productivity, efficiency, and technological change in the European Union regions over the period 1986–2004, using the Malmquist index computed by data envelopment analysis. The results reveal the important role played by technical efficiency in explaining total factor productivity growth in the European Union. For this reason, in a second stage, we investigate existing regional disparities in efficiency levels across the European regions, using a nonparametric methodology that allows us to study the dynamics of the entire cross-sectional distribution. Estimates show the presence of a process of convergence in efficiency levels over the sample period, despite a relatively low degree of intradistribution mobility. In order to complete these results, factors such as the geographical location of the various regions, country-specific characteristics, or the sectoral composition of economic activity were examined for their role in explaining the observed disparities.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberto Ezcurra & Belen Iraizoz & Pedro Pascual, 2009. "Total Factor Productivity, Efficiency, and Technological Change in the European Regions: A Nonparametric Approach," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 41(5), pages 1152-1170, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:41:y:2009:i:5:p:1152-1170
    DOI: 10.1068/a40362
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    2. Halkos, George & Tzeremes, Nickolaos, 2012. "Regional economic growth and environmental efficiency in greenhouse emissions: A conditional directional distance function approach," MPRA Paper 40015, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Mustafa Cem KIRANKABEŞ & Abdullah ERKUL, 2019. "Regional knowledge production in Central and East European countries: R&D factor productivity and changes in performances," Eastern Journal of European Studies, Centre for European Studies, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, vol. 10, pages 25-44, June.
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    5. Emanuele Giovannetti, 2013. "Catching Up, Leapfrogging, or Forging Ahead? Exploring the Effects of Integration and History on Spatial Technological Adoptions," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 45(4), pages 930-946, April.
    6. Sara Barcenilla-Visús & José-María Gómez-Sancho & Carmen López-Pueyo & María-Jesús Mancebón & Jaime Sanaú, 2013. "Technical Change, Efficiency Change and Institutions: Empirical Evidence for a Sample of OECD Countries," The Economic Record, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 89(285), pages 207-227, June.

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