Convergenza economica e polarizzazione nelle regioni dell’UE: il ruolo degli effetti spaziali

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to assess European Union Cohesion Policy by estimating a conditional β-convergence model for a sample of 196 EU regions over the period 1980-2006, using a spatial econometric perspective. Under the assumption of substantial coincidence of geographical and economic periphery in EU-15, the final model combines the identification of two regimes and spatial dependence. The main findings suggest a positive role of EU Regional Policy on convergence among Objective 1 regions and, at the same time, call for a better consideration of spatial spillover effects in planning Regional Policy.