GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES COMPOSITION AND GROWTH IN EU15: A DYNAMIC HETEROGENEOUS APPROACH

Lena MALEŠEVIĆ PEROVIĆ

Associate professor University of Split, Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism, CERGE EI Teaching Fellow Cvite Fiskovića 5, 21000 Split, Croatia, Tel: + 385 21 430 683, Fax: + 385 21 430 701

lena@efst.hr

Silvia GOLEM

Associate professor University of Split, Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism, Cvite Fiskovića 5, 21000 Split, Croatia, Tel: + 385 21 430 673, Fax: + 385 21 430 701

sgolem@efst.hr

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to investigate the long-run effect of government size and composition on growth in EU15 countries during 1995-2014. Unlike previous studies, this paper employs a more adequate and sophisticated econometric technique which allows the joint occurrence of dynamics and parameter heterogeneity as well as addresses the problem of unobserved common factors. The obtained results indicate that high aggregate spending levels are an impediment for growth in developed economies, while the single most important government expenditure item is education. In quantitative terms the impact of education expenditures is, however, significantly lower than that found by other papers.

Keywords: government size, expenditures composition, GDP growth, heterogeneity, unobserved common effects, EU15

JEL classification: C23, H1, H50, O4
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DOES TRADE OPENNESS AND FISCAL POLICY AFFECT INEQUALITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH? A STUDY IN INDONESIA

Mohammad KHUSAINI

Dr. in Economics, Faculty of Economic and Business, Brawijaya University-INDONESIA

mohkhusaini@yahoo.com

Setyo TRI WAHYUDI

Ph.D in Economics, Faculty of Economic and Business, Brawijaya University-INDONESIA

Setyo81@gmail.com

Zamrud SISWA UTAMA

Master of Economics Student at Faculty of Economic and Business, Brawijaya University-INDONESIA

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of trade openness and Indonesia’s fiscal policy on income inequality and economic growth. The error correction model approach was used to analyze the effect during the period 1980 to 2015. The results show that trade openness can improve inequality but at the same time impede growth. The effect of fiscal policy on reducing inequality is only generated by tax collection but is temporary. Meanwhile, government spending on infrastructure and health proved to encourage growth. On the other hand, education sector spending and tax collection can actually hamper growth.

Keywords: Trade Openness, Inequality, Growth, Fiscal Policy

JEL classification: E62, F63, H50, O40
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