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The Expediting Effect of Monitoring on Infrastructural Works. A Regression-Discontinuity Approach with Multiple Assignment Variables

Author

Listed:
  • Giuseppe Francesco Gori

    (IRPET – Regional Institute for the Economic Planning of Tuscany)

  • Patrizia Lattarulo

    (IRPET – Regional Institute for the Economic Planning of Tuscany)

  • Marco Mariani

    (IRPET – Regional Institute for the Economic Planning of Tuscany)

  • Laura Razzolini

    (Finance, and Legal Studies, The University of Alabama)

Abstract

Decentralized government levels are often entrusted with the management of public works and required to ensure well-timed infrastructure delivery to their communities. We investigate whether monitoring the activity of local procuring authorities during the execution phase of public projects may expedite the infrastructure delivery process. Focusing on a 2011 Italian regional law which imposes monitoring by the regional government of “strategic” projects carried out by local municipalities, we draw causal claims using a regression-discontinuity approach, made unusual by the presence of multiple assignment variables. Estimation is performed through discrete-time survival analysis techniques. Results show that increased monitoring does expedite infrastructure delivery.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuseppe Francesco Gori & Patrizia Lattarulo & Marco Mariani & Laura Razzolini, 2024. "The Expediting Effect of Monitoring on Infrastructural Works. A Regression-Discontinuity Approach with Multiple Assignment Variables," Italian Economic Journal: A Continuation of Rivista Italiana degli Economisti and Giornale degli Economisti, Springer;Società Italiana degli Economisti (Italian Economic Association), vol. 10(1), pages 197-224, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:italej:v:10:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s40797-023-00220-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s40797-023-00220-y
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Procurement; Infrastructure delivery; Government efficiency; Regression discontinuity design;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures
    • R53 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Public Facility Location Analysis; Public Investment and Capital Stock

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