Three empirical essays on the determinants of economic growth [Elektronische Ressource] / vorgelegt von Oliver Röhn

Three Empirical Essays on the Determinants of Economic Growth Inaugural-Dissertation zur Erlangung des Grades Doctor oeconomiae publicae (Dr. oec. publ.) an der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München 2007 vorgelegt von Oliver Röhn Referent: Prof. Dr. Peter Egger Korreferent: Prof. Theo Eicher, Ph.D. Promotionsabschlussberatung: 06. Februar 2008 TO MY PARENTS Acknowledgements First and foremost I would like to thank Peter Egger and Theo Eicher for agree-ing to supervise my thesis and their support. I am deeply indebted to Theo Eicher for his ongoing guidance, countless discussions, inspiration and patience throughout this venture. Our close and productive collaboration is reflected in his co-authorship of chapter 1 and 3 of this dissertation. I am equally grateful to Chris Papageorgiou, also co-author of chapter 1, for fruitful discussions and the pleasure I had working with him and Theo Eicher. Grateful acknowledgements are made to the Ifo Institute for Economic Research and in particular the Department of International Institutional Comparisons for providing me with an excellent research environment and all neces-sary resources. Special thanks go to Rigmar Osterkamp and Wolfgang Ochel for cre-ating an inspiring and pleasant work atmosphere and for giving me the freedom to finish my thesis during the last months.