Konwergencja czy dywergencja polskich województw? Zastosowanie dynamicznych modeli panelowych

Abstract

In the paper an attempt is made to answer the question if the process of convergence between Polish voivodeships exists. More precisely, the objective of the research is β-convergence. Its existence means that the countries in which the initial level of GDP per capita is low, develop faster than countries with higher initial level of income. In this case a catch-up effect is observed, which equalizes the levels of income. As a tool of analysis dynamic panel data models are applied. Two alternative estimation methods were applied: Arellano - Bond first-differenced GMM and Blundell – Bond system GMM. The main conclusion from the research is the lack of concurrent tendency of GDP per capita between Polish voivodeships. The estimate of the parameter β that decides the existence and strength of the convergence shows that there exists a divergent tendency in GDP per capita between voivodeships.