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Specialization, R&D and productivity growth: evidence from EU regions

The Annals of Regional Science volume 49, pages 35–51 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

The present paper analyzes the effect of regional specialization and R&D expenditures on labor productivity growth. Following Fingleton [Environ Plan 32:1481–1498 2000], we assume positive externalities in labor productivity growth and technological spillovers depend on interregional distances and economy size. Regional specialization and R&D expenditures are assumed to enhance growth by affecting the level of technology. Although it may seem natural that specialization and R&D expenditures can convey great advantages on economic growth, evidence varies across sectors. We conduct an empirical analysis for two economic sectors and the economy as a whole. Recently developed spatial econometric methods are adopted to control for potential heteroscedasticity in the growth equation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Regional Research Institute, West Virginia University, 886 Chestnut Ridge Road, P. O. Box 6825, Morgantown, WV, 26506-6825, USA

    Gianfranco Piras

  2. DASTA, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Viale Pineta 4, 65127, Pescara, Italy

    Paolo Postiglione

  3. IDEAR, Universidad Catolica del Norte, 0610 Av. Angamos, Antofagasta, Chile

    Gianfranco Piras & Patricio Aroca

Authors
  1. Gianfranco Piras
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  2. Paolo Postiglione
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  3. Patricio Aroca
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Correspondence to Gianfranco Piras.

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Piras, G., Postiglione, P. & Aroca, P. Specialization, R&D and productivity growth: evidence from EU regions. Ann Reg Sci 49, 35–51 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00168-010-0424-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00168-010-0424-2

JEL Classification

  • C21
  • C14
  • R11
  • R12