Price-Induced Technological Change in Italian Agriculture: An SGM Restricted Cost Function Approach (1951-91)

This paper aims at investigating the price-induced innovation hypothesis in Italian agriculture over the years 1951 to 1991. Price-inducement hypothesis is analysed and tested within the framework proposed by Peeters and Surry (2000). The major difference is the short-run specification of the dual technology. Distinguishing between variable and quasi-fixed inputs allows both a more realistic representation of how relative prices may affect innovation and input use over time and a detailed decomposition of the relevant biases in input use. Results provide evidence in favour of price-inducement innovation in Italian agriculture.

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