How ‘Provincial is Your Region? Openness and Regional Performance in Europe

Alfonso Gambardella (), Myriam Mariani and Salvatore Torrisi ()
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Alfonso Gambardella: KITeS, Universita' Bocconi, Milano, Italy

No 6, KITeS Working Papers from KITeS, Centre for Knowledge, Internationalization and Technology Studies, Universita' Bocconi, Milano, Italy

Abstract: By employing 1995-2000 data on European regions we construct an index of regional openness based on the share of hotels on population and the share of population that speaks a second language. This index has an impact on regional performance after controlling for technological capabilities, agglomeration economies, and other factors. Apart from a direct effect of openness, we find an indirect effect coming through patents. This suggests that open regions tap into wider knowledge networks that then affect performance. From a policy perspective, making a region less provincial can be as important as investments in local infrastructures and networks.

Keywords: openness; regional performance; regional advantages; technology; European regions. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O18 O30 O47 R11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 34 pages
Date: 2009-04, Revised 2009-04
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

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Journal Article: How 'Provincial' Is Your Region? Openness and Regional Performance in Europe (2009)
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