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Impact of macro-structural reforms on the productivity growth of regions: distance to the frontier matters

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  • Sabine D’Costa
  • Enrique Garcilazo
  • Joaquim Oliveira Martins

Abstract

Using a panel of 265 regions from 24 OECD countries from 1997 to 2007, we explore the impact of nation-wide macroeconomic and structural policies on the productivity growth of subnational regions. We find that average relationships between nation-wide policies and the growth of regions can hide strong differentiated effects according to the distance to the frontier: relaxing employment protection legislation on temporary contracts, lowering barriers to trade and investment as well as increasing trade openness enhances productivity growth in lagging regions, whereas reducing barriers to entrepreneurship or higher levels of government debt has a positive effect on regions that are closer to the productivity frontier.

Suggested Citation

  • Sabine D’Costa & Enrique Garcilazo & Joaquim Oliveira Martins, 2017. "Impact of macro-structural reforms on the productivity growth of regions: distance to the frontier matters," Working Papers 86, Queen Mary, University of London, School of Business and Management, Centre for Globalisation Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:cgs:wpaper:86
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    2. Wataru Johdo, 2025. "Agglomeration and non-agglomeration countries and the growth effects of protectionist trade policies," International Economics and Economic Policy, Springer, vol. 22(1), pages 1-15, February.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    structural reforms; regional growth; lagging regions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • R58 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Regional Development Planning and Policy
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure

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