One of the most problematic aspects in the work of policy makers and practitioners is having efficient forecasting tools combining two seemingly incompatible features: ease of use and completeness of the information set underlying the forecasts. Econometric literature provides different answers...

In this paper we address two relevant issues among those characterising the macroeconomic literature on migration. (a) We evaluate which impact is produced by the immigration flows coming from the enlargement countries on the EU-15 labour market. (b) We draw clues on the migrant characteristics...

This paper investigates the causes of unemployment persistence in Italy, using aggregate quarterly data. We use as reference an insider-outsider model capable of generating hysteresis. In the sample period being analysed, deep structural modifications have affected the Italian economy. For this...

This paper analyses energy efficiency in the EU, both in terms of reductions in energy intensity and in terms of physical indicators, looking at the differences among sectors and among Member States. We test econometrically the existence of convergence in energy intensity across Europe. We find...

We study political distortions that emerge in situations where agents' political power is disproportionate with respect to their economic power. We use the Shapley value to evaluate both the economic and the political power. We show that usual weighted majority voting cannot prevent political...

The paper aims to the laying out of conceptual and empirical bases for analyzing the impact of the intangible elements have on local performance. These include the cultural and natural heritage and human capital both in the process of territorial growth – regional and provincial – and in the...

The health care reform it is no longer to be postponed due to the high costs and inefficiencies, as well as differences in the distribution of services, and sharpen existing disparities in the quality of care between regions, according to the health needs of the growing aging population and the...

This paper talks about multi-pillar pension system in Italy, focusing most on the impact of Pension Funds established by trade unions and employers associations. Minor sensitivity to demographic shocks is what makes funding appealing in respect of public <em>pay-as-you-go</em> scheme. Benefit comes from...

There is still an unmet need for intensified research into health economic evaluation models of orphan drugs. In the first part of the paper some main issues related to the limits of cost-effectiveness in rare diseases are developed. In order to investigate the theoretical aspect in practice, a...

In the last decades an increasing number of countries candidates to host a mega-event. This paper analyze (in the light of Expo Milan will host in 2015) if an exposition impacts in a significant manner on interna-tional trade, justifying countries’ interest in their organization. Based on...