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on Cultural Economics |
| By: | Betty Agnani (Department of Economic Theory and Economic History, University of Granada.); Henry Aray (Department of Economic Theory and Economic History, University of Granada.) |
| Abstract: | This article analyzes the effect of subsidies and awards on the Spanish motion picture industry. We estimate a Cobb-Douglas production function using regional data, showing that it exhibits constant returns to scale and that awards positively affect movie production, while subsidies have no effect. In fact, awards affect the productivity of the sector since they allow for an increase in the output, which is not explained by an increase in inputs. |
| Keywords: | Movie production, awards, panel data |
| JEL: | Z11 C23 |
| Date: | 2008–12–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gra:wpaper:08/16&r=cul |
| By: | Fidrmuc, Jan; Fidrmuc, Jarko |
| Abstract: | Cultural factors and especially common languages are well-known determinants of trade. By contrast, the knowledge of foreign languages was not explored in the literature so far. We combine traditional gravity models with data on fluency in the main languages used in EU and candidate countries. We show that widespread knowledge of languages is an important determinant for foreign trade, with English playing an especially important role. Other languages (French, German, and Russian) play an important role mainly in particular regions. Furthermore, we argue that the effect of foreign languages on trade may be non-linear. The robustness of our results is confirmed by quantile regressions. |
| Keywords: | European integration; foreign trade; Gravity models; language; quantile regression |
| JEL: | C23 F15 F40 Z10 |
| Date: | 2009–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:7228&r=cul |
| By: | Roberta Piergiovanni (Istat-Ufficio Regionale per l’Emilia-Romagna); Martin Carree (Maastricht University); Enrico Santarelli (University of Bologna and Max Planck Institute of Economics) |
| Abstract: | The present study explores the impact exerted by a series of factors and processes including creativity, IPR activities, new business formation and the provision of amenities on economic growth for 103 Italian provinces (NUTS 3) over the period between 2001 and 2006. Provincial growth rates are measured alternatively by value added growth and employment growth. Findings show a positive effect of the increase in the number of firms active in the creative industries, net entry, and a greater provision of leisure amenities on regional economic growth. A large portion of employment in the manufacturing, mining, and energy sector, and a high relative number of university faculties are found to lead to slower economic growth, whereas trademarks, patents, cultural amenities and industrial districts do not affect economic growth. Finally, the share of legal immigrants is found to have a positive impact on employment growth. |
| Keywords: | regional growth, creativity, entrepreneurship, Italian provinces |
| JEL: | O18 O34 R11 |
| Date: | 2009–03–18 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:jrp:jrpwrp:2009-020&r=cul |
| By: | Pannell, David |
| Abstract: | The Natural Heritage Trust and the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality were major national policies focused on land and water degradation and nature conservation in Australia. These programs fell a long way short of achieving their stated goals. It is proposed that to be able to spend their considerable public funds in cost effective ways, they would have needed a number of particular characteristics. Among other things, they needed to prioritise investments well, consistent with an appropriate role of government, and based on analyses that integrated good quality bio-physical and socio-economic information. They needed to select policy mechanisms that would be appropriate for the circumstances. The incentives created by program rules and procedures should have encouraged environmental managers responsible for program delivery to pursue environmental outcomes cost-effectively. However, the programs did not satisfy these criteria. Prospects for improving matters in the new national program, Caring for our Country, are discussed. It will be difficult to deliver outcomes cost-effectively in the new program for reasons that include capacity constraints in government agencies, time pressures on policy development, and political priorities of governments. |
| Keywords: | policy evaluation, policy mechanism choice, policy implementation, |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aare09:47935&r=cul |