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Do Institutions Matter? Estimating the Effect of Institutions on Econo- mic Performance in China

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  • Ying Fang
  • Yang Zhao

Abstract

This paper estimates the effect of institutions on economic performance using cross-city data from China. We argue that China’s ongoing reforms are part of a long and circuitous historical transition from antiquity to modernity, which started about 150 years ago. Learning from Western countries has been a central aspect of this historical process. The West had a large influence on the early stage of this transition, which has persisted to current reforms. This study uses the enrollment in Christian missionary lower primary schools in China in 1919 as an instrument for present institutions. Employing a two-stage least squares method, we find that the effect of institutions on economic performance in China is positive and significant. The results are robust according to various tests including additional controls, such as geographic factors and government policy-related variables.

Suggested Citation

  • Ying Fang & Yang Zhao, 2013. "Do Institutions Matter? Estimating the Effect of Institutions on Econo- mic Performance in China," Working Papers 2013-10-14, Wang Yanan Institute for Studies in Economics (WISE), Xiamen University.
    • Handle: RePEc:wyi:wpaper:002010
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    Cited by:

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    2. Lai, Huiwen & Maskus, Keith E. & Yang, Lei, 2020. "Intellectual property enforcement, exports and productivity of heterogeneous firms in developing countries: Evidence from China," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 123(C).
    3. Huiwen Lai & Keith E. Maskus & Lei Yang, 2018. "Intellectual Property Enforcement, Exports and Productivity: Evidence from China," RSCAS Working Papers 2018/39, European University Institute.
    4. He, Xiaobo, 2013. "Wages and Access to International Markets: Evidence from Urban China," MPRA Paper 44537, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    JEL classification:

    • O53 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Asia including Middle East
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • P51 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Comparative Economic Systems - - - Comparative Analysis of Economic Systems

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