This paper tests the regional convergence of GDP per capita across 27 Chinese provinces during the period 1961-2018 with considering the spatial interactions. First, this study only finds a slight divergence over the entire period. Furthermore, the flowing research of this paper divides the overall time span into three sub-period based on two major economic policies, namely the “Open Door Policy” and the “Western Development Strategy”. During the period 1961-1977, which is regarded as a phase of planned economy, this paper finds the evidence of regional convergence. Moreover, the results indicate a slight divergence in GDP per capita during the period 1978-1999, proving that the “Open Door Policy” intensifies regional gaps of China. Finally, this study verifies the role of the “Western Development Strategy” in reducing regional differences since a convergence is found during the last period 2000-2018. The outcomes of this research reveal a strong relationship between economic policies and regional convergence, and thus the transition of policies should be considered when investigating the economic convergence. Furthermore, this research also verifies the importance of spatial effects in the process of convergence or divergence. The results are likely to be biased if the spatial dependence is neglected.

Dans cette thèse, nous avons développé un algorithme de détermination d’une nouvelle forme de la matrice de poids spatiale qui prend en compte aussi bien les effets de proximité spatiale que les critères idiosyndratiques des unités régionales. Ainsi, nous avons proposé une approche originale de détermination d’une forme stationnaire du diagramme de Moran à travers laquelle nous pouvons déterminer les formes des associations spatiales de long terme. En ce sens, nous avons montré la conformité qui peut exister entre les résultats trouvés suite à l’application de cette approche et ceux découlant à partir de l’estimation du modèle de convergence absolue dans un cadre spatial. Dans une autre partie du travail, nous avons proposé deux nouvelles méthodes de détermination des régimes spatiaux sous forme de polarisation et de stratification. Une nouvelle approche de spécification des modèles spatiaux qui se base sur la robustesse du test de Moran dans la détection de l’autocorrélation spatiale globale et le bon choix de la matrice de poids spatiale, a été encore proposée. Nous avons utilisé l’approche d’Analyse Exploratoire des Données Spatiales, l’Approche d’Econométrie Spatiale et les méthodes que nos avons développées pour expliquer les différentes formes de disparités, des interactions spatiales et de convergence régionale en Inde en termes de taux d’alphabétisation au niveau national, pour l’ensemble de la population (Homme et Femme) et au niveau rural et urbain pour l’ensemble des districts sur la période de 1991-2001. Dans la dernière partie du travail, nous avons développé un modèle théorique des facteurs déterminants de l’alphabétisation en Inde. / In this thesis, we have developed an algorithm for determining a new form of the spatial weight matrix that takes into account both the effects of spatial proximity and the idiosyncratic criteria of regional units. Thus, we propose a new approach for determining a stationary form of the Moran scatter plot in which we highlight the forms of steady state spatial associations and the conformity that can exist between the results arising out of this method and those obtained from the model of absolute convergence in a spatial framework. In another part of the thesis, we propose two new methods of determining the spatial regimes in the form of polarization and stratification. A new approach to the specification of spatial models which is based on the robustness of the Moran test in the detection of global spatial autocorrelation and the proper choice of the spatial weight matrix has also been proposed. We used the approach of Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Econometrics approach and methods we developed to explain the different forms of disparities, spatial interaction and regional convergence in India in terms of literacy rate at the national level for the entire population (Male and Female) and rural and urban level for all districts over the period 1991-2001. In the last part of the work, we develop a theoretical model of the determinants of literacy in India.

Este trabalho consiste basicamente na realização do teste de uma gama de variáveis explicativas anuais, oriundas da literatura sobre crescimento econômico, para os estados brasileiros. O objeto primeiro é identificar quais delas são robustas em apresentar relação com as variações do Produto Interno Bruto (PIB) per capita, ou seja, quais se mantêm significativas quando testadas junto a diferentes conjuntos de outras variáveis explicativas. O período analisado compreende os anos de 1986 a 2002. Resende e Figueiredo1 realizaram esse mesmo trabalho utilizando dados decenais entre 1960 e 2000. Assim, um segundo objetivo é comparar os resultados de longo prazo, obtido por Resende e Figueiredo, com os de curto prazo. Para tanto, empregou-se o teste de robustez proposto por Levine e Renelt2, o Extreme Bounds Analysis (EBA), e o teste desenvolvido por Sala-i-Martin3, que argumenta que, em vez de analisar os extremos das estimativas dos coeficientes de uma variável específica, é necessário fazer a análise de toda a distribuição desses coeficientes.Com base nos testes efetuados, conclui-se que, no curto prazo, atividade agrícola, setor de serviços e água encanada têm correlação robusta com as taxas de crescimento do PIB per capita; apesar da atividade agrícola se revelar o fator de maior relação com o crescimento econômico no curto prazo, os dados não demonstraram nenhuma robustez no longo. Quanto à ocorrência de convergência condicional dos PIBs per capita estaduais, esta se confirmou tanto para o curto quanto para o longo prazo. Por outro lado, mortalidade infantil, fecundidade e carga tributária apresentam correlação robusta com as taxas de crescimento do PIB per capita somente no longo prazo. A taxa de urbanização demonstra correlação positiva no curto prazo, mas negativa no longo. / The present work basically consists of examination of a set of explanatory annual variables, whose sort derived from Economic Growth literature, to the Brazilian states. The prime aim is to identify which of those variables presents robust correlation with the per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rates, researching the 1986 to 2002 period. Resende e Figueiredo have done the same work with decennial data between 1960 and 2000. In this way, another aim is comparing those long term results with the short one. In order to do that, one applied the Extreme Bounds Analysis (EBA) test proposed by Levine and Renelt, as well as the test developed by Sala-i-Martin, who argued it is necessary to analyze which and all coefficients, instead of to the extremes only. Based in those tests, one concludes that the variables which present robust correlations with the per capita GDP rates in the short term are farming and service sectors as well canalized water. Although the farming was revealed the main factor of growth in the short term, it did not presented robustness at all in the long term. In the other hand, babyish mortality rate, fertility rate and tax burden presented robust correlation only in the long term. The urban rate showed positive robust correlation in the short term, despite of negative one in the long term.

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the impact of the EU’s Structural Fund (SF) policy between 2000-2007 on regional economic growth in Sweden. A regional convergence analysis is performed in order to examine if the SF policy’s overall aim of convergence is reached. Furthermore the study examines the growth of important Structural Fund goal indicators as employment, education and new firm formation in the Objective 1, 2 and 3 areas. The main growth- and convergence theories and their connection to regional policies such as the SF policy is used as the theoretical framework and form the study’s hypothesis. The results show that absolute β-convergence exists between the Swedish urban areas. The growth of the goal indicators show that the Objective 1 and 2 areas, which received most part of the SF support have achieved their aims in increasing employment and new firm creation. In addition the Objective 2 areas have increased their share of population with higher education compared to the areas that did not receive either Objective 1 or 2 support. The Objective 3 areas, which received the least part of the SF support had a lower mean growth in employment than the areas that received no direct Objective 3 support. In addition the urban areas that only received Objective 3 support had a lower growth in share of population with higher education. From the results we can reach the overall conclusion that the positive impact of the SF policy on the goal indicators seem to be the largest in the areas that received most part of the funding. The final conclusion is that the SF are effective in enhancing economic growth in the areas of intervention. / Syftet med denna uppsats är att analysera EU:s Strukturfondspolitiks inverkan på regional ekonomisk tillväxt i Sverige mellan 2000-2007. En regional konvergensanalys utförs för att undersöka om Strukturfondspolitikens övergripande konvergens mål uppnås. Vidare undersöker studien viktiga Strukturfondmålindikatorers tillväxt, såsom sysselsättning, utbildning och nyföretagande, i Mål 1, 2 och 3 områdena. De viktigaste tillväxt- och konvergensteorierna och deras koppling till regional politik, såsom Strukturfondspolitiken används som den teoretiska bakgrunden och formar studiens hypotes. Resultaten visar att absolut β-konvergens existerar mellan de svenska kommunerna. Resultaten för målindikatorernas tillväxt visar att Mål 1 och 2-områdena som har mottagit största delen av Strukturfondsstödet har uppnått sina mål att öka sysselsättningen och starta nya företag. Dessutom har Mål 2-områdena haft en högre ökning av andelen av befolkningen med högre utbildning jämfört med områdena som inte mottog något Mål 1 eller 2-stöd. Mål 3- områdena som har mottagit den minsta delen av Strukturfondsstödet hade en lägre tillväxt av sysselsättning jämfört med de områden som inte mottog något direkt Mål 3-stöd. De områden som enbart mottog Mål 3-stöd hade dessutom en lägre tillväxt av befolkning med högre utbildning. Utifrån resultaten kan vi dra den övergripande slutsatsen att den positiva påverkan av Strukturfondspolitiken på målindikatorerna verkar vara störst i de områden som har mottagit största delen av Strukturfondsstödet. Den slutgiltiga slutsatsen är att Strukturfondspolitiken sannolikt främjar den ekonomiska tillväxten i insatsområdena.

<p> </p><p>The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the impact of the EU’s Structural Fund (SF) policy between 2000-2007 on regional economic growth in Sweden. A regional convergence analysis is performed in order to examine if the SF policy’s overall aim of convergence is reached. Furthermore the study examines the growth of important Structural Fund goal indicators as employment, education and new firm formation in the Objective 1, 2 and 3 areas. The main growth- and convergence theories and their connection to regional policies such as the SF policy is used as the theoretical framework and form the study’s hypothesis.</p><p>The results show that absolute β-convergence exists between the Swedish urban areas. The growth of the goal indicators show that the Objective 1 and 2 areas, which received most part of the SF support have achieved their aims in increasing employment and new firm creation. In addition the Objective 2 areas have increased their share of population with higher education compared to the areas that did not receive either Objective 1 or 2 support. The Objective 3 areas, which received the least part of the SF support had a lower mean growth in employment than the areas that received no direct Objective 3 support. In addition the urban areas that only received Objective 3 support had a lower growth in share of population with higher education. From the results we can reach the overall conclusion that the positive impact of the SF policy on the goal indicators seem to be the largest in the areas that received most part of the funding. The final conclusion is that the SF are effective in enhancing economic growth in the areas of intervention.</p><p> </p> / <p>Syftet med denna uppsats är att analysera EU:s Strukturfondspolitiks inverkan på regional ekonomisk tillväxt i Sverige mellan 2000-2007. En regional konvergensanalys utförs för att undersöka om Strukturfondspolitikens övergripande konvergens mål uppnås. Vidare undersöker studien viktiga Strukturfondmålindikatorers tillväxt, såsom sysselsättning, utbildning och nyföretagande, i Mål 1, 2 och 3 områdena. De viktigaste tillväxt- och konvergensteorierna och deras koppling till regional politik, såsom Strukturfondspolitiken används som den teoretiska bakgrunden och formar studiens hypotes.</p><p>Resultaten visar att absolut β-konvergens existerar mellan de svenska kommunerna. Resultaten för målindikatorernas tillväxt visar att Mål 1 och 2-områdena som har mottagit största delen av Strukturfondsstödet har uppnått sina mål att öka sysselsättningen och starta nya företag. Dessutom har Mål 2-områdena haft en högre ökning av andelen av befolkningen med högre utbildning jämfört med områdena som inte mottog något Mål 1 eller 2-stöd. Mål 3- områdena som har mottagit den minsta delen av Strukturfondsstödet hade en lägre tillväxt av sysselsättning jämfört med de områden som inte mottog något direkt Mål 3-stöd. De områden som enbart mottog Mål 3-stöd hade dessutom en lägre tillväxt av befolkning med högre utbildning. Utifrån resultaten kan vi dra den övergripande slutsatsen att den positiva påverkan av Strukturfondspolitiken på målindikatorerna verkar vara störst i de områden som har mottagit största delen av Strukturfondsstödet. Den slutgiltiga slutsatsen är att Strukturfondspolitiken sannolikt främjar den ekonomiska tillväxten i insatsområdena.</p>

Este trabalho consiste basicamente na realização do teste de uma gama de variáveis explicativas anuais, oriundas da literatura sobre crescimento econômico, para os estados brasileiros. O objeto primeiro é identificar quais delas são robustas em apresentar relação com as variações do Produto Interno Bruto (PIB) per capita, ou seja, quais se mantêm significativas quando testadas junto a diferentes conjuntos de outras variáveis explicativas. O período analisado compreende os anos de 1986 a 2002. Resende e Figueiredo1 realizaram esse mesmo trabalho utilizando dados decenais entre 1960 e 2000. Assim, um segundo objetivo é comparar os resultados de longo prazo, obtido por Resende e Figueiredo, com os de curto prazo. Para tanto, empregou-se o teste de robustez proposto por Levine e Renelt2, o Extreme Bounds Analysis (EBA), e o teste desenvolvido por Sala-i-Martin3, que argumenta que, em vez de analisar os extremos das estimativas dos coeficientes de uma variável específica, é necessário fazer a análise de toda a distribuição desses coeficientes.Com base nos testes efetuados, conclui-se que, no curto prazo, atividade agrícola, setor de serviços e água encanada têm correlação robusta com as taxas de crescimento do PIB per capita; apesar da atividade agrícola se revelar o fator de maior relação com o crescimento econômico no curto prazo, os dados não demonstraram nenhuma robustez no longo. Quanto à ocorrência de convergência condicional dos PIBs per capita estaduais, esta se confirmou tanto para o curto quanto para o longo prazo. Por outro lado, mortalidade infantil, fecundidade e carga tributária apresentam correlação robusta com as taxas de crescimento do PIB per capita somente no longo prazo. A taxa de urbanização demonstra correlação positiva no curto prazo, mas negativa no longo. / The present work basically consists of examination of a set of explanatory annual variables, whose sort derived from Economic Growth literature, to the Brazilian states. The prime aim is to identify which of those variables presents robust correlation with the per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rates, researching the 1986 to 2002 period. Resende e Figueiredo have done the same work with decennial data between 1960 and 2000. In this way, another aim is comparing those long term results with the short one. In order to do that, one applied the Extreme Bounds Analysis (EBA) test proposed by Levine and Renelt, as well as the test developed by Sala-i-Martin, who argued it is necessary to analyze which and all coefficients, instead of to the extremes only. Based in those tests, one concludes that the variables which present robust correlations with the per capita GDP rates in the short term are farming and service sectors as well canalized water. Although the farming was revealed the main factor of growth in the short term, it did not presented robustness at all in the long term. In the other hand, babyish mortality rate, fertility rate and tax burden presented robust correlation only in the long term. The urban rate showed positive robust correlation in the short term, despite of negative one in the long term.

Este trabalho consiste basicamente na realização do teste de uma gama de variáveis explicativas anuais, oriundas da literatura sobre crescimento econômico, para os estados brasileiros. O objeto primeiro é identificar quais delas são robustas em apresentar relação com as variações do Produto Interno Bruto (PIB) per capita, ou seja, quais se mantêm significativas quando testadas junto a diferentes conjuntos de outras variáveis explicativas. O período analisado compreende os anos de 1986 a 2002. Resende e Figueiredo1 realizaram esse mesmo trabalho utilizando dados decenais entre 1960 e 2000. Assim, um segundo objetivo é comparar os resultados de longo prazo, obtido por Resende e Figueiredo, com os de curto prazo. Para tanto, empregou-se o teste de robustez proposto por Levine e Renelt2, o Extreme Bounds Analysis (EBA), e o teste desenvolvido por Sala-i-Martin3, que argumenta que, em vez de analisar os extremos das estimativas dos coeficientes de uma variável específica, é necessário fazer a análise de toda a distribuição desses coeficientes.Com base nos testes efetuados, conclui-se que, no curto prazo, atividade agrícola, setor de serviços e água encanada têm correlação robusta com as taxas de crescimento do PIB per capita; apesar da atividade agrícola se revelar o fator de maior relação com o crescimento econômico no curto prazo, os dados não demonstraram nenhuma robustez no longo. Quanto à ocorrência de convergência condicional dos PIBs per capita estaduais, esta se confirmou tanto para o curto quanto para o longo prazo. Por outro lado, mortalidade infantil, fecundidade e carga tributária apresentam correlação robusta com as taxas de crescimento do PIB per capita somente no longo prazo. A taxa de urbanização demonstra correlação positiva no curto prazo, mas negativa no longo. / The present work basically consists of examination of a set of explanatory annual variables, whose sort derived from Economic Growth literature, to the Brazilian states. The prime aim is to identify which of those variables presents robust correlation with the per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rates, researching the 1986 to 2002 period. Resende e Figueiredo have done the same work with decennial data between 1960 and 2000. In this way, another aim is comparing those long term results with the short one. In order to do that, one applied the Extreme Bounds Analysis (EBA) test proposed by Levine and Renelt, as well as the test developed by Sala-i-Martin, who argued it is necessary to analyze which and all coefficients, instead of to the extremes only. Based in those tests, one concludes that the variables which present robust correlations with the per capita GDP rates in the short term are farming and service sectors as well canalized water. Although the farming was revealed the main factor of growth in the short term, it did not presented robustness at all in the long term. In the other hand, babyish mortality rate, fertility rate and tax burden presented robust correlation only in the long term. The urban rate showed positive robust correlation in the short term, despite of negative one in the long term.

Ampia discussione è in corso riguardo ai Fondi Strutturali Europei, uno strumento creato dall’Unione Europea per ridurre le differenze economiche tra le sue regioni. Durante il CSF 2000-06 essi hanno rappresentato 1/3 del budget comunitario. Nonostante tale sforzo, parte della letteratura trova scarsi effetti e persistenza nei differenziali di PIL che i fondi dovrebbero ridurre. In questo lavoro si affronterà la questione osservando le regioni dell’EU-15, nel periodo 2000-07. L’effetto dei fondi è stato dapprima stimato con modelli di convergenza assoluta e considerando problemi come l’autocorrelazione spaziale e l’eterogeneità delle regioni. L’attenzione si è quindi diretta alla costruzione di un dataset contenente cifre dettagliate dei fondi pagati annualmente a ciascuna regione, tramite combinazione di informazioni da fonti ufficiali e tramite stime per coprire le cifre per cui tali informazioni erano mancanti. Con questo dataset sono quindi stati stimati modelli che considerassero effetti di spill-over e la possibilità di cluster convergence. È risultato che i fondi strutturali hanno effetti tutto sommato positivi. L’utilizzo di modelli più complessi e realistici ha però mostrato una debole convergenza, lasciando quindi dubbi sull’effettiva efficacia dei fondi. / A vast discussion is underway regarding European structural funds, an instrument the European Union created in order to reduce the economic differentials among its regions. During the 2000-2006 CSF they represented 1/ 3 of EU budget. Despite these efforts, part of the literature finds small effects and persistence in those differences in GDP which these funds should reduce. In this work the issue will be addressed by looking at regions within EU-15, in the period 2000-2007. Proof of the positive effect of funds was first searched using models of absolute beta convergence and addressing issues like spatial autocorrelation and heterogeneity between regions. The attention moved then to the task of constructing a dataset which could provide detailed figures on funding paid to each region each year, by combining information available from official sources and through the estimation of those figures for which information was missing. On the base of this dataset new models were estimated, taking into account the spill-over effects and the possibility of cluster convergence. The result was that structural funds have, overall, a positive impact. Once we move to more complex and realistic models, convergence becomes weaker, casting some doubts on the effectiveness of these funds.

Partendo dalla constatazione della sempre maggiore complessità del contesto economico e sociale nazionale ed internazionale, imputabile da un lato al processo di integrazione economico e monetario europeo, e dall'altro alla progressiva decentralizzazione dei poteri a livello regionale, la tesi intende proporsi come uno strumento analitico di supporto al decisore. A tal fine, in base a dati annui di fonte ISTAT-SVIMEZ per il periodo 1970-2003, viene sviluppato un modello econometrico regionale 'globale' per il mercato del lavoro italiano, estendendo un precedente modello mono-regionale proposto da Baussola (2003), ad un contesto pluri-regionale. Il modello conduce non solo a rappresentare soddisfacentemente i mercati regionali italiani, ma opera altresì efficacemente nel ricostruire i valori delle variabili a livello nazionale. Il modello si conferma robusto ed efficace nel rappresentare le realtà regionali, anche nell'ottica di analisi propria dell'econometria delle serie storiche. / The starting point of this thesis is the remark that recent decades have been characterized by a rising complexity in the economic and political context both at the national and international level. This is due both to the European economic and monetary integration process and to the regional decentralisation process. With the aim of providing a useful tool of analysis for the decision-maker,. a 'global' regional model for the Italian labour market has been constructed on the basis of annual data from ISTAT-SVIMEZ over the 1970-2003 period. This model could be viewed as an extension to a multi-regional framework of the previous one-region model developed by Baussola (2003). The model shows good performance not only in representing regional labour market specificities, but also in reproducing national variable values. It is also robust and effective in a time-series context.

Diploma thesis analyses current state of the European Union's Regional policy in an environment of the Zlín Region. The attthesisention is aimed at current programming period 2007-2013, motives of development, defined objectives, operating principles and system of regional policy implementation in Czech Republic including the future settings of EU Structural Funds Subsidies Exploiting System. For the futher purposes of the thesis the attention is focused on the success of the Regional Operational Programmes, that serve as a basis for the second part of the thesis. Then the analysis of the Regional Operational Programme of the Central Moravia Cohesion Region and socioeconomic analysis of the Zlín Region follow. The practical part of thesis consists of analysis of the Structural Funds through the ROP Central Moravia in the Zlín Region, specifically in the microregion Uherský Brod. The output of the diploma thesis is to document the specific contribution to regional development using selected microregion