Public R&D investment and cost structure in Italian agriculture, 19601995
Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
University of Siena, Siena, Italy
Corresponding author: Roberto Esposti, Department of Economics, Marche Polytechnic University, Piazzale Martelli 8, 60121 Ancona, Italy. E-mail: robertoe{at}dea.unian.it
Received December 2002; Revision received September 2003.
Summary
This paper deals with the role of public research in Italian agriculture during the period 19601995. A short-run Generalised Leontief cost function capable of accommodating quasi-fixed factors and variable returns is used. Temporary equilibrium and scale economies are investigated with special emphasis on the methodological implications of R&D stock and the consistency of the estimated model with microeconomic theory. Comparing the relevant shadow and rental price provides evidence on under- (over)-investment and the rationale driving public research expenditure in agriculture. A formal test of the induced innovation hypothesis and the calculation of the internal rate of returns are also presented.
Keywords: public R&D, R&D price, short-run cost function
JEL classification: O30, Q16