Regional productivity patterns in Europe: An alternative approach

This article aims to examine the differences in the behaviour of productivi ty across the European regions. First, we give an overview of regional conv ergence of productivity in the European Union, Significant regional differe nces emerge from the detailed analysis of the evolution of productivity tha t follows. We note that those differences can even be observed in relativel y homogeneous regions (peripheral, central, old industrialised, etc.). A new methodological approach is introduced with the aim of exploring in gr eater depth this diversity, especially in the evolution of labour productiv ity. A total of 97 regions from the European Union have been selected in or der to verify some specific differences ill productivity, employment and GV A growth rates. Despite the global trend towards convergence in productivit y, this article reveals that significant regional differences persist. Fina lly, a regional typology is presented.