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Spatial disparities in income and productivity are a feature of many countries. They arise in low-income countries during the process of economic development and in high income countries that are experiencing, or have experienced, structural change. They are often persistent, lasting for many decades with consequent social and political implications. Economic adjustment mechanisms have failed to bring about convergence and policy interventions have often been unsuccessful.
The network will support research to deepen our understanding of the causes and consequences of spatial disparities in income and productivity, while addressing two over-arching questions. How can spatial disparities persist for long periods of time, even in relatively well integrated modern economies? What policy measures are effective in addressing the disparities and their adverse consequences?
Leadership of the RPN is supported by a Steering Committee:- Gilles Duranton (Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania), Gianmarco Ottaviano (Bocconi University), Henry Overman (London School of Economics), Helen Simpson (University of Bristol), Jens Suedekum (Henrich Heine University Düsseldorf) and Elisabet Viladecans-Marsal (University of Barcelona).
Recorded live at CEPR Paris Symposium 2022: Inequality isn’t just between individuals, but between regions too. Henry Overman explains to Tim Phillips why these disparities exist, why they are so persistent, and whether regional policies to “level up” left-behind places will succeed.