Template-Type:	ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: 	Tommaso Rooms
Author-Email:	
Author-Workplace-Name: World Bank
Title: Enhancing the competitiveness of EU regions: A Comparative analysis of Local Regulatory Environments
Abstract: Local regulations and implementation of national laws constitute a deciding factor in creating an investment climate conducive to economic growth. In the European Union (EU) context, local differences are a hurdle to such growth and jeopardize regional economic convergence. This article analyzes an original subnational dataset from the World Bank that reveals regional differences in business regulations and their enforcement across 16 EU member states. The paper aims to offer insights for policymakers seeking to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and improve local business environments. The analysis is based on data collected using the World Bank’s Doing Business methodology between 2017 and 2022. By taking stock of such data, the article also provides a benchmark for assessing the contributions of new and upcoming assessments of the EU subnational business environment that are currently being conducted through the World Bank’s Business Ready methodology, which has replaced and improved upon Doing Business.
Keywords: European Union, Local Development, Business Environment, Regional Competitiveness.
Classification-JEL: F15, R58, L51, R11 
Journal: Regional Economy
Volume:	8
Pages:	4-14
Issue:	Q3
Year:	2024
File-URL: https://www.regionaleconomy.eu/RePEc/pdf/8Q3/4-14.pdf
File-Format:	Application/pdf
File-URL:	https://www.regionaleconomy.eu/rivista/re/enhancing-the-competitiveness-of-eu-regions-a-comparative-analysis-of-local-regulatory-environments/
File-Format:	text/html
Handle:	RePEc:atk:issues:Q32024:10199