Differences in Regional Economic Prosperity: Do State Policies Matter? An Empirical Investigation of Data from the German States
International Public Administration Review, Vol. XI, No. 1/1013
21 Pages Posted: 5 Mar 2015
Date Written: January 3, 2013
Abstract
Different regional economic theories come to different conclusions with regard to the impact of (state) policies on the economic prosperity of regions. This article provides empirical evidence that determinants like geography, urbanization, industrial mix and social capital explain 68 percent of the variation in GDP per worker among West German regions. One element that all these factors have in common is that they cannot, at least in the short run, be influenced by state policies. Determinants like infrastructure and human capital, both of which can be influenced by state policies, only account for another 11 percent of the variation in GDP.
Keywords: Regional Economic Development, State Policies, Fiscal Equalization Scheme
JEL Classification: H07
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation