In this paper, we propose a nonlinear cointegration test for heterogeneous panels where the alternative hypothesis is an exponential smooth transition (ESTAR) model. We apply our tests for investigating cointegration relationship between energy consumption and economic growth for the G7...

We develop unit root tests for nonlinear heterogeneous panels where the alternative hypothesis is an exponential smooth transition (ESTAR) model, and provide their small sample properties. We apply our tests for investigating the income convergence hypothesis in the OECD sample.