We show that the use of pooled and panel data in estimating β-convergence across countries (or other territorial areas) may involve some pitfalls, since these techniques cannot properly distinguish between actual convergence and the possibility of decreasing growth rates over time within each...

This paper examines the relationship between inequality and growth in the Italian regions in the period 1990-2004. Our results support the conjecture, formulated by the most recent economic theory, that greater inequality in the distribution of personal incomes reduces real growth. Furthermore,...

This paper tests for the existence of neoclassical and/or technological catching up across Italian regions in the last three decades. The test is performed making use of a model based on the decomposition of output growth, similar to that proposed by Dowrick - Rogers (2002). The results imply...

Poor local information networks and weak social sanctions in urban settings make joint liability unable to guarantee high repayment rates to microlenders. Yet, microcredit programmes in Western Europe report good performance even if the majority of them require no collateral. We collected data...

This paper attempts to establish the effects of transfers to household on the rate of growth of labour productivity. In particular, it focuses on the effects of social security expenditure on the rate of growth of GDP per labour units in 19 sectors and 13 OECD countries in the period 1976-2000....