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Culture, politics and innovation: evidence from the creameries

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  • Kevin H. O'Rourke

Abstract

This Paper explores the diffusion of two agricultural innovations in late 19th century Denmark and Ireland: the milk separator and the cooperative creamery. It asks whether variables identified as important for innovation and growth by cross-country regressions mattered in this instance: in particular, education, uncertain property rights, and social capital. The Paper finds that literacy and conflict regarding property rights impeded the diffusion of milk separators in Ireland, and that the propensity to cooperate there was lower among Catholics than among Protestants. These factors all help explain the superior performance of the Danish dairy industry during this period.
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Suggested Citation

  • Kevin H. O'Rourke, 2001. "Culture, politics and innovation: evidence from the creameries," Trinity Economics Papers 200120, Trinity College Dublin, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:tcd:tcduee:200120
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. O'Rourke, K.H., 1999. "Culture, Politics and Innovation: Creamery Diffusion in late 19th Century Denmark and Ireland," Papers 99/23, College Dublin, Department of Political Economy-.
    8. Greif, Avner, 1994. "Cultural Beliefs and the Organization of Society: A Historical and Theoretical Reflection on Collectivist and Individualist Societies," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 102(5), pages 912-950, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Stulz, Rene M. & Williamson, Rohan, 2003. "Culture, openness, and finance," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 70(3), pages 313-349, December.
    2. Cormac Ó Gráda, 2004. "Irish agriculture after the Land War," Open Access publications 10197/440, School of Economics, University College Dublin.
    3. Henriksen, Ingrid & Hviid, Morten & Sharp, Paul, 2012. "Law and Peace: Contracts and the Success of the Danish Dairy Cooperatives," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 72(1), pages 197-224, March.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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