The Expediting Effect of Monitoring on Infrastructural Works. A Regression-Discontinuity Approach with Multiple Assignment Variables

Springer ed. – Italian Economic Journal – Research paper – Europe and Italy – Published: 28 February 2023 – https://doi.org/10.1007/s40797-023-00220-y

Giuseppe Francesco Gori, Patrizia Lattarulo, Marco Mariani (IRPET) e Laura Razzolini (Department of Economics, Finance, and Legal Studies, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, USA)

Abstract

Decentralized government levels are often entrusted with the management of public works and required to ensure well-timed infrastructure delivery to their communities. We investigate whether monitoring the activity of local procuring authorities during the execution phase of public projects may expedite the infrastructure delivery process. Focusing on a 2011 Italian regional law which imposes monitoring by the regional government of “strategic” projects carried out by local municipalities, we draw causal claims using a regression-discontinuity approach, made unusual by the presence of multiple assignment variables. Estimation is performed through discrete-time survival analysis techniques. Results show that increased monitoring does expedite infrastructure delivery.

Keywords: Procurement · Infrastructure delivery · Government efficiency · Regression discontinuity design

JEL Classification: C21 · H54 · R53

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