Economic development in Sardinia: overcoming the insularity gap

Biagi, Bianca;Dettori, Barbara;Paci, Raffaele;Usai, Stefano

2021-01-01

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Abstract

Under what conditions can Sardinia – a peripheral island with a small population – proceed along a steady path of economic development? This is the crucial question addressed in this paper, which examines the economic and social situation of Sardinia within the national and the European scenario which is characterized by a strong polarization process fuelled by agglomeration forces. The analysis suggests facing the economic downturn by investing in education, innovation, and local institutions in order to provide a better environment for citizens and firms and to exploit regional comparative advantages.