Bibliothèque de L'IMIST/CNRST

Preface -- 1 Introduction -- 2 Neoclassical and Post-Keynesian Theories of Regional Growth and Convergence/Divergence -- 3 'Endogenous Growth Theory' and 'New Economic Geography' -- 4 Club Convergence -- 5 Empirical Measure of Regional Convergence -- 6 EU-27 Regions: Absolute or Club Convergence? 7 'Club Convergence': Geography, Externalities and Technology -- 8 Conclusions -- Appendices -- References.

Do dynamic externalities, in the form of technology creation, adoption and spatial agglomeration shape the pattern of regional growth in Europe? This study provides an alternative view on regional convergence. A model is developed which attributes club-convergence to existing differences with respect to the degree of technology adoption. In the first instance, empirical results suggest that the NUTS-2 regions of the EU-27 converge at a very slow rate. Further tests, however, indicate that convergence is restricted to a specific subset of regions. Such conclusions are tested further, using an alternative model of club-convergence, which incorporates the impact of spatial interaction, agglomeration externalities and technology. This shows that the convergence-club in Europe follows a certain geographical pattern and all members share similar characteristics regarding technology creation and adoption, and agglomeration externalities. .