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Exploring the Determinants of Productivity Growth in Italian Regions: a Kaldorian Perspective

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  • Matteo Deleidi

  • Walter Paternesi Meloni

  • Luigi Salvati
  • Francesca Tosi

Abstract

The promotion of regional convergence is at the heart of the European cohesion policy,although how to stimulate it still is a debated question in the economic theory. Endorsing a Kaldorian perspective, we investigate the determinants of labour productivity in Italian regions by applying Panel Structural VAR modelling to 1981-2013 data. By esplicitly considering the endogeneity among the studied variables, we find that labour productivity is stimulated by output growth and capital accumulation. Our findings bear important implications in terms of policy advice, leading to the conclusion that considerable public investment is necessary to stimulate economic growth and productivity especially in economically depressed areas, like the Italian Mezzogiorno.

Suggested Citation

  • Matteo Deleidi & Walter Paternesi Meloni & Luigi Salvati & Francesca Tosi, 2020. "Exploring the Determinants of Productivity Growth in Italian Regions: a Kaldorian Perspective," Working Papers 0051, ASTRIL - Associazione Studi e Ricerche Interdisciplinari sul Lavoro.
    • Handle: RePEc:ast:wpaper:0051
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    2. Alexandre Gomes, 2020. "Regional economic growth in China from a Kaldorian perspective: A comparative study of Nanjing and Suzhou," PSL Quarterly Review, Economia civile, vol. 73(295), pages 283-312.

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    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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