Laura Serlenga

Bio: Laura Serlenga is an academic researcher from University of Bari. The author has contributed to research in topics: Inequality & Panel data. The author has an hindex of 12, co-authored 52 publications receiving 733 citations. Previous affiliations of Laura Serlenga include Sapienza University of Rome.

Gravity models of intra‐EU trade: application of the CCEP‐HT estimation in heterogeneous panels with unobserved common time‐specific factors

Abstract: We follow recent developments of panel data studies and allow for the existence of both observed and unobserved common factors where their individual responses are allowed to be heterogeneous. We then develop a generalized Hausman–Taylor estimation methodology, and apply our proposed estimation technique to an analysis of the gravity equation of bilateral trade flows among 15 European countries over 1960–2001. Empirical results demonstrate that our proposed approach provides more sensible results than the conventional approach based on fixed time dummies. These findings may highlight the importance of allowing for a certain degree of cross-section dependence through unobserved heterogeneous time-specific effects; the resulting estimates would otherwise be severely biased. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Higher education and equality of opportunity in Italy

Abstract: Purpose: This paper aims at studying the degree of equality of educational opportunity in the Italian university system. Methodology: We build on the approaches developed by Peragine (2004, 2005) and Lefranc et al. (2006a, 2006b) and focus on the equality of educational opportunities for individuals of different social background. We propose different definitions of equality of opportunity in education. Then, we provide testable conditions with the aim of (i) testing for the existence of equality of opportunity (EOp) in a given distribution and (ii) ranking distributions on the basis of EOp. Definitions and conditions resort to standard stochastic conditions that are tested by using nonparametric tests developed by Beach and Davidson (1983) and Davidson and Duclos (2000). Findings: Our empirical results show a strong family effect on the performances of students in the higher education and on the transition of graduates in the labor market. Moreover the inequality of opportunity turns out to be more severe in the South than in the regions of the North-Center. Originality: This work contributes to the literature in three ways: first, it proposes a definition of equality of educational opportunities. Second, the paper develops a methodology in order to test for the existence of equality of opportunity in a given distribution and to rank distributions according to equality of opportunity. Third, we present empirical evidence on the degree of equality of educational opportunity in the Italian university system.

Fair and unfair income inequalities in Europe

Abstract: This paper analyses the extent of income inequality and opportunity inequality in 25 European countries. The present work contributes to understanding the origin of standard income inequality, helping to identify potential institutional setups that are associated to opportunity inequality. We distinguish between ex-ante and ex-post opportunity inequality. We find that ex-ante equality of opportunity exhibits positive correlation with public expenditure in education, whereas ex-post equality of opportunity is also positively associated to union presence and to fiscal redistribution.

Gravity Models of the Intra-EU Trade: Application of the Hausman-Taylor Estimation in Heterogeneous Panels with Common Time-specific Factors ∗

Abstract: In this paper we follow recent developments of panel data studies and explicitly allow for the existence of unobserved common time-specific factors where their individual responses are also allowed to be heterogeneous across cross section units. In the context of this extended panel data framework we generalize the Hausman-Taylor estimation methodology and develop the associated econometric theory. We apply our proposed estimation technique along with the conventional panel data approaches to a comprehensive analysis of the gravity equation of bilateral trade flows amongst the 15 European countries over 1960-2001. Empirical results clearly demonstrate that our proposed approach fits the data reasonably well and provides much more sensible results than the conventional approach based on the fixed time dummies. These findings may highlight the importance of allowing for a certain degree of cross section dependence through unobserved heterogeneous time specifi cc ommon effects, otherwise the resulting estimates would be severely biased.

Modelling technical efficiency in cross sectionally dependent stochastic frontier panels

Abstract: SUMMARY This paper proposes a unified framework for accommodating both time and cross-sectional dependence in modelling technical efficiency in stochastic frontier models by combining the exogenously driven factor-based approach and an endogenous threshold efficiency regime selection mechanism. This approach is able to deal with both weak and strong cross-sectional dependence in a flexible manner. Using a dataset of 26 OECD countries over 1970–2010, we provide satisfactory estimation results for the production technology parameters and the associated efficiency ranking of individual countries. We find a positive spillover effect on efficiency, supporting the hypothesis that knowledge spillover is more likely to be induced by technological proximity. Furthermore, our approach enables us to identify efficiency clubs endogenously.

Panel data analysis—advantages and challenges

Abstract: We explain the proliferation of panel data studies in terms of (i) data availability, (ii) the more heightened capacity for modeling the complexity of human behavior than a single cross-section or time series data can possibly allow, and (iii) challenging methodology. Advantages and issues of panel data modeling are also discussed.

Spectral Analysis of Time Series.

Abstract: : One use of spectral analysis of time series is to determine if two different time series are realizations from the same process This thesis develops the theory behind Krishnaiah and Schuurmann's theoretical work reported in their report Approximations to the Distributions of the Traces of Complex Multivariate Beta and F Matrices We take the trace of a test statistic calculated from the spectral density matrices of the time series and test it The thesis applies the theory to two small sample simulations (Author)

Book Review: OECD, Growing Unequal? Income Distribution and Poverty in OECD Countries:

Abstract: Será que a desigualdade de rendimentos aumentou durante os últimos tempos? Quem ganhou e quem perdeu neste processo? Este processo afectou todos os países da OCDE uniformemente? Em que medida é que maiores desigualdades de rendimentos são a consequência de maiores diferenças nos rendimentos dos trabalhadores e até que ponto são afectados por outros factores? Finalmente, como é que a redistribuição governamental através do sistema de benefícios fiscais afecta estas tendências?

Nonpersistent inequality in educational attainment: evidence from eight European countries.

Abstract: In their widely cited study, Shavit and Blossfeld report stability of socioeconomic inequalities in educational attainment over much of the 20th century in 11 out of 13 countries. This article outlines reasons why one might expect to find declining class inequalities in educational attainment, and, using a large data set, the authors analyze educational inequality among cohorts born in the first two-thirds of the 20th century in eight European countries. They find, as expected, a widespread decline in educational inequality between students coming from different social origins. Their results are robust to other possible choices of method and variables, and the authors offer some explanations of why their findings contradict Shavit and Blossfeld's conclusions.