On regional growth convergence in Great Britain

Andrew Henley

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35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Henley A. (2005) On regional growth convergence in Great Britain, Regional Studies 39 , 1245–1260. This paper examines recent sub-regional output data for Great Britain to identify possible economic convergence. It concludes that sub-regional data are subject to substantial spatial autocorrelation. Conventional estimates of ‘beta’ convergence are subject to misspecification bias if spatial autocorrelation is not taken into account. Unconditional models fail to find any evidence for economic convergence – indeed, the most recent data point to significant economic divergence. Conditional models, controlling for region-specific steady-states and the influence of human capital accumulation, provide estimates closer to the ‘stylized fact’ of 2% per annum convergence. A further conclusion is that the use of regional price deflators may affect rates of convergence estimates. Spatial autocorrelation suggests that growth ‘hot spots’ can influence surrounding areas positively, but that poor economic performance in lagging areas may also have wider regional impacts.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1245-1260
JournalRegional Studies
Volume39
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Dec 2005

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