This paper investigates the contribution of different dimensions of institutional quality on the efficiency of the Italian regional innovation system (RIS) through the application of a knowledge production function estimated within a Stochastic Frontier Analysis environment. Though most of the dimensions of institutional quality considered in the analysis are found to play no role in affecting RIS efficiency, we detect a positive and highly significant impact of government effectiveness on the variable of interest. This result is robust to different assumptions about the underlying technology, to alternative lag structures between R&D and patenting activities and to the application of different R&D inputs. Moreover, this evidence is confirmed once instead of the RIS efficiency, we appraise the impact of institutional quality on the amount of registered patents, through the application of a canonical knowledge production function. In terms of policy implications, our analysis indicates that measures that strengthen the endowment of regional socio-economic structures are highly recommended as they enhance the efficiency of the RIS and stimulate patenting activities. Finally, interventions for Southern regions should be designed to reduce the technological and efficiency gap with the most advanced regions in the country.
Using data for a set of 19 OECD economies over the 1985–2013 period, we analyzed the effects of green energies on employment through the application of a fixed effects model. After controlling for a set of labor market institutions, innovation, financial development, and three dimensions of globalization, we found evidence of a positive and significant relationship between green energies and employment. Specifically, a 10% increase in the amount of green energies was found to determine a 0.3% increase in employment. Our results are robust to alternative specifications and to possible external shocks. The findings presented in this paper suggest that governments should incentivize firms in investing in green energies via tax cuts or subsidies to improve environmental quality, further stimulating the creation of new jobs and new employment opportunities.
Using a sample of 19 OECD countries over the 1985–2011 period, we propose the application of fixed effects regression to appraise the impact of green energies on employment and to assess how the quality of institutions shapes the relationship. The evidence reported in this paper indicates that higher supply of green energies enhances employment, though the effect is crucially mediated by the quality of institutions, depending on the measure of institutional quality employed. Further, the relationship remains stable under both Kyoto agreements and the 2007 financial crisis.
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