Margherita Scarlato

Social Enterprise, Capabilities and Development Paradigms: Lessons from Ecuador

Recently, social movements in Latin America have affirmed the ‘buen vivir’ development paradigm that pursues the social and solidarity economy model in reaction to mainstream development strategies. In this paper we explore the features of the social economy that has emerged from the social movement resistance in Ecuador. We have two aims. First, to contribute to the comparative analysis of the varying patterns in the evolution of social enterprise around the world. Second, to provide general theoretical insights into the ways in which the social economy relates to the contemporary debate on alternative development paradigms.

Social Enterprise and Development Policy: Evidence from Italy

Abstract This paper examines the role of social enterprise in relation to the specific features of the Italian socio-economic context. It argues that in this case it is appropriate to discuss the concept of social enterprise within the theoretical framework of human development and Amartya Sens capability approach. The focus is thus an analysis of the evolution of social enterprises in Italy, and social co-operatives in particular, in pursuit of two aims. On the one hand, the study shows the importance of the social economy in the Italian regions with regard to the welfare system and development policies; on the other, it outlines both the positive and the disappointing aspects of policies implemented at central and local level. Finally, the conclusions indicate both the institutional dynamics that could strengthen social enterprise in Italy and the potential contribution of these enterprises to the economic and human development of the poorer southern regions.

Inclusive Institutions, Innovation and Economic Growth: Estimates for European Countries

This paper investigates empirical linkages amongst inclusive institutions, innovation and economic growth in the European context. We follow as a theoretical framework a non-scale R&D-based growth model. In the baseline model, negative institutional externalities not only affect the productivity of private and human capital, but also constrain the diffusion of existing technological knowledge. In turn, these negative externalities reduce economic growth. We run estimates for a sample of European Union countries to contribute to the discussion on the growth strategy to recover from the ongoing crisis. Empirical analysis confirms the importance of technology as an instrument for increasing economic growth in European countries and suggests the existence of a positive relationship between inclusive institutions and innovation and economic growth.

Capitale sociale e sviluppo economico: un'analisi empirica per le province italiane

Capitale sociale e sviluppo economico: un’analisi empirica per le province italiane (di Margherita Scarlato) - ABSTRACT: This work provides some evidence for the Italian regions that social capital, under a broad definition, can have a positive impact on development outcomes. Our empirical analysis includes measures of social capital related to the enforcement of formal norms, the extent of social networks, the provision of local public goods. We show that in the less developed regions of Italy, the so-colled Mezzogiorno, the level of social capital is lower compared to the advanced regions and, at the same time, the productive activities born a smaller share of the cost due to the social capital deficit. This result leads to a «wrong» incentive towards the underinvestment in social capital and locks the Southern regions in a trap at a low level of both economic development and social capital development. Absent suitable shocks or policy interventions, this out-come is self-reinforcing.

L'impresa sociale: un ponte tra welfare e sviluppo

This paper deals with the role of social enterprises in the new development policy for the southern italian regions, the so-called Mezzogiorno of Italy. First, we investigate the quantitative and qualititive relevant aspects of social enterprises in Italy. Secondly, we use the framework of the capability approach to discuss the arguments in favour of the italian social co-operative enterprises as a tool for improving human development. Third, we consider some case studies to see in what extent it is possible to replicate in the Mezzogiorno successfull models of social enterprise operating in the more affluent northern italian regions. The last section is devoted to analyse the case of Campania as a benchmark for the current state of welfare and development policies, both at national and local level, in the southern regions of Italy.

Knowledge externalities, innovation and growth in European countries: the role of institutions

ABSTRACT This paper provides an empirical analysis of the linkages between institutions and economic growth in the European context and highlights innovation as the intermediate variable that drives this interplay. Building on the literature in the evolutionary approach to the economics of innovation and in the economic growth theory with a political economic perspective, we assume that knowledge externalities can fully take place where institutions guarantee a level playing field in the access to knowledge. We estimate the effects of a set of relevant institutional variables on the growth rate of technological knowledge and per capita GDP for a sample of European countries. The empirical analysis confirms that institutions that tend to equalise opportunities to innovate significantly amplify the impact of an exogenous increase in the knowledge base on the growth rate of per capita GDP.

Divari territoriali e driver della crescita nell'economia italiana: una nota

The aim of this paper is to contribute with a new perspective to the long-standing debate on regional gaps in Italy. We first discuss the evolution of the drivers of growth for the Italian economy in the broad international context. Secondly, we analyse the implications for the different italian macro-regions. Last we draw some policy suggestions for the current planning cycle of the European Union regional policy.

New Welfare Policy Instruments: International Experiences and Implications for Social Enterprises

In this paper recent approaches to the role of social protection systems within economic development policies are discussed. Important experiences are considered, in particular those implemented in medium and low income countries, where new tools for increasing the effectiveness of social and development policies have been tried and tested. Some lessons are also examined that prove useful for defining mechanisms that enhance the quality of services provided by social enterprises in the Italian context.