Working Paper

Indicators of Real Economic Convergence. A Primer.

Publication Date
24 Mar 2026
Author
José Villaverde Castro
External Series
UNU-CRIS Working Papers
Download PDF

Abstract

Whether poor economies tend to converge towards rich ones or else to diverge over time is an issue that has attracted the attention of policy-makers and academics alike for some decades. Economic convergence or divergence is a topic of considerable interest and debate, not only for validating or otherwise the two leading and competing growth models (the neoclassical and the endogenous growth approaches) but also for its policy-oriented implications. Generally speaking, the presence of convergence is considered as a valid test in favour of the neoclassical growth model as opposed to the endogenous models that predict divergence in most cases.

The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations University.

Related content

Event

WINTER SCHOOL : Natural Capital, Nature-Based Solutions to Climate Change, and Valuation of Ecosystem Services: A Commons Perspective

This Winter School takes place in India from 7 til 12 December 2026. The last date to apply is 31 October 2026 (limited seats).

-

Training

Caribbean Capacity-Building Workshop on Science, Technology and Innovation Policies and Instruments for the SDGs

The UN IATT Workstream 6 brings together partners for a Caribbean workshop strengthening STI policy and instruments for sustainable development in SIDS.

-

Journal Article

Institutional readiness for payments for ecosystem services: Stakeholder perspectives from Sri Lanka

This publication was released as part of the UNU Resource Nexus Focus Area Resilient Food, Forest and Ecosystems.

01 Sep 2026