In this policy brief, we review the laments of Caribbean businesspersons. We find that subjective perceptions are rooted in an objective reality. Businesspersons do not complain gratuitously. Furthermore, we find that constraints vary systematically by firm characteristics: In general, small...

This presentation discusses the use of incentives to foster innovation in the private sector. It includes a discussion of supporting and funding R&D in the business sector; the use of tax incentives for R&D; and a comparison of other financing instruments. This presentation was presented at the...

This presentation discusses the use of incentives to foster innovation in the private sector. It includes a discussion of supporting and funding R&D in the business sector; the use of tax incentives for R&D; and a comparison of other financing instruments. This presentation was presented at the...

Recent literature on Latin American countries shows that private expenses as a share of the total expenditures in health tend to be higher the lower the nation's level of economic development. This paper considers a discrete choice model of product differentiation, where consumer choice is based...

This paper first offers a historical perspective of regulation, the early steps of Colombian industry and the way it grew. The environment was not conducive to the application of legislation that attempted to regulate monopoly or oligopoly, much less to regulate economic power. A discussion of...

This paper considers ongoing and proposed reforms of the international financial system in light of Latin America's recent experience. Most proposals are based on one of three diagnoses: excessive capital flows, insufficient capital flows, and excessively volatile capital flows. While theories...

This paper reviews and contributes to the policy debate on the issue of saving in Latin America, presenting an alternative perspective on the relationship between saving and growth, saving and inflation stabilization and structural reform, and saving and capital flows.

This paper complements previous studies by arguing that the low private savings ratio in Latin America can be associated with the limited confidence of households and businesses in domestic financial institutions. Previous studies have established a relationship between private savings and...