Technical Change, Non-Tariff Barriers, and the Development of the Italian Locomotive Industry,1850-1913
46 Pages Posted: 17 Mar 2017
Date Written: December 15, 2016
Abstract
The locomotive industry was one of the relatively sophisticated “high-tech” sectors in which Italy, a latecomer country, was successful before 1913. Using technical data on the performance of different vintages of locomotives, we construct a new industry-level index of technical change. We also study the impact of different policy instruments (import duties, non-tariff trade barriers and other discretionary interventions) in shaping the development of the industry. Our reassessment reveals the sound technological performance of Italian locomotives; the successful growth of this industry; and the critical role played by non-tariff barriers in its development.
Keywords: technical progress, locomotive industry, non-tariff barriers, Italy, 19th century
JEL Classification: N73, O25
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation