Infrastructure and Development : A Critical Appraisal of the Macro Level Literature
This survey reviews the existing macro-level empirical literature on the link between infrastructure and development outcomes in a critical light. After providing a general framework that casts the relevant terms of the controversy on the real effect of infrastructure on growth in the context of an aggregate production function, it signals what are the relevant empirical questions to be addressed. This guides the systematic review of a number of empirical studies and the discussion of the main econometric challenges to the identification of the effect of infrastructure on output and productivity. Finally, building on related research, in particular in contract theory and political economy, the paper spells out several promising research avenues.
Summary: | This survey reviews the existing
macro-level empirical literature on the link between
infrastructure and development outcomes in a critical light.
After providing a general framework that casts the relevant
terms of the controversy on the real effect of
infrastructure on growth in the context of an aggregate
production function, it signals what are the relevant
empirical questions to be addressed. This guides the
systematic review of a number of empirical studies and the
discussion of the main econometric challenges to the
identification of the effect of infrastructure on output and
productivity. Finally, building on related research, in
particular in contract theory and political economy, the
paper spells out several promising research avenues. |
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