This paper analyzes the dynamics of cost efficiency scores in the Spanish banking industry during the period 1985-1995 and asks how such dynamics are influenced by specialization. Efficiency has been estimated through a nonparametric approach, and a model of distributions dynamics has been...

European regions have experienced a polarisation of their unemployment rates between 1986 and 1996, as regions with intermediate rates have been driven by changes in regional employment, only partly offset by labour force changes. Regions'' outcomes have closely followed those of neighbouring...

During the last fifteen years the competitive conditions under which Spanish banking firms operate have become much tighter. Deregulation has affected both banks and savings banks, allowing them to expand geographically and to choose a less regulation-conditioned output mix.This paper analyzes...

This paper tests for convergence in relative per capita electric power consumption for 22 African countries, covering the period 1971-2002. Parametric techniques which are regressions and unit root tests are used. Neoclassical convergence hypothesis such as the ?-convergence is rejected while...

Considering residential per capita electricity consumption as one of the most suitable economic welfare indicators, the aim of this paper is to explore worldwide differences on this variable over the period 1980-2007. The paper adds to the standard practice of [sigma] and [beta] convergence...

Theoretical models of growth and trade suggest that patterns of international specialisation are inherently dynamic and evolve endogenously over time. Initial comparative advantages are either reinforced or gradually unwound with the passage of time. This paper put forward an empirical framework...