We propose a model where the growth rate volatility of a country is explained by structural change and the size of the economy. We test these predictions by means of nonparametric techniques. Growth volatility appears to (i) decrease with total GDP, (ii) increase with the share of the...

This paper proposes a methodology which combines elements of parametric regression analysis with the nonparametric distribution dynamics approach in order to analyse the role of some variables in the convergence of productivity across European regions over the period 1980-2002. We find that the...

This paper analyzes the impact of the European Union regional policy of the three programming periods 1975-1988, 1989-1993 and 1994-1999 on the dynamics of productivity of European regions. On average, funding had a positive, but concave, effect on productivity growth. In particular, a share of...

The paper aims to test the existence of different regimes in the growth process. We propose a simple nonlinear growth model which features different relationships between growth rate and income level. We iden tify its testable implications in terms of state space dynamics. By estimating Markov...