This study evaluates a regional full employment initiative using the synthetic control method introduced by Abadie and Gardeazabal (2003). The aim of the Paltamo Full Employment (PFE) experiment launched in 2009 is to reverse the trend of high and persistent unemployment in contracting regions....

This paper evaluates the cost effects of a regional self government experiment. The experiment introduced a new intermediate tier of local administration that was given the responsibility to organize 60 per cent of public services. These services include e.g. basic health care, majority of...