Most of the empirical works in regional convergence are based on either cross-sectional or “a-spatial” panel data models. In this paper, we propose the use of panel data econometrics models that incorporate an explicit consideration of spatial dependence effects (Anselin, 1988; Elhorst, 2001; 2003)....

In this paper, we present an empirical study of per capita income convergence in Italy over the period 1951-2000 based on a fine level of aggregation (the NUTS-3 EU regions represented by the Italian provinces). Concerning the statistical methodology, we use both nonparametric and spatial...