In spite of the widespread use of the concept of potential output in economic theory and empirical applications as well as in economic policy debates, the historical background and the assumptions inherent to this concept are rarely made transparent, let alone critically questioned. Against this...

1 Introduction.- 2 Literature Review -- 3 Descriptive Analysis -- 4 Determinants of Business Cycle Synchronistion -- 5 Shock Propagation Mechanisms and Business Cycle Convergence -- 6 Summary and Policy Implications -- 7 Appendix -- References