Research

We investigate how natural and climate-driven disasters affect firm-level innovation in China (1998–2007). Merging patent filings, firm financials, and geocoded disaster events, we use a staggered Difference-in-Differences framework and find heterogeneous innovation responses: large, cash-rich firms increase patenting persistently, while financially constrained firms and SOEs remain largely unaffected. Regional credit availability and environmental regulation further shape outcomes.

This study addresses a central measurement challenge in high-income countries: how to detect and characterize food insecurity (FI) when national prevalence is low but territorially uneven. Using original survey data collected across Italian regions and in Rome, we assess the validity and local applicability of the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). The analysis yields estimated prevalence of moderate or severe FI of approximately 13.5% in the regional sample and 7.1% in Rome. Although these figures are application-specific and should not be read as population-level prevalence estimates, they are consistent with complementary territorial indicators documenting substantial variation across municipalities and socio-demographic groups. The study demonstrates the methodological feasibility of deploying a globally validated experience-based instrument in a sub-national, high-income context, and illustrates how such applications can complement - without replacing - official statistics. The results support the case for localized FI monitoring capable of informing targeted interventions in contexts where vulnerability is spatially concentrated rather than nationally pervasive.

This study examines the impact of the Rural Development Program (RDP) on reducing income disparities between farms in mountainous and non-mountainous areas in Piedmont, Italy. Using Farm Accounting Data Network data from 2012–2022, the analysis focuses on cattle, sheep and goats, and fruit farms, with 525 farms (3,171 observations; 36% in mountainous areas). A pooled multivariate regression assesses income disparities excluding RDP support, RDP's effectiveness in mitigating gaps, and the role of compensatory allowance. The findings indicate that significant income disparities are primarily observed in small farms specialized in cattle and sheep and goats, with mountain farms facing a net shortfall of €1,319 and €2,384 per hectare, respectively. While compensatory allowance support helps reduce this gap – by 8.93% for cattle farms and 5.28% for sheep and goat farms – a substantial disparity remains. Bridging the gap entirely would require doubling compensatory payments to €340 per hectare, though alternative strategies are discussed.