We argue that institutions are bundles that involve trade-offs in the government’s ability to provide public goods that affect public health. We hypothesize that economic freedom reduces diseases of poverty and may increase diseases of commerce (those associated with free movement of people,...

Patented innovation is a predominately local phenomena. It is also an indicator of economic growth. Using data on U.S. metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), we examine the long-run effect of economic freedom, and each of its three components, on local patent activity. We find that increased...

This paper argues that the effect of corruption on competition is dependent on the institutional environment. When institutions are relatively efficient, observed corruption is likely to be associated with relatively less competition. Conversely, in areas with low quality institutions (e.g.,...