Can Statistical Capacity Building Help Reduce Procyclical Fiscal Policy in Developing Countries?

Author/Editor:

Sampawende J Tapsoba ; Robert C York ; Neree C.G.M. Noumon

Publication Date:

November 8, 2016

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

Few papers have attempted to assess the role of “capacity,” especially in the area of macroeconomic statistics. Consequently, we make an attempt to advance this literature through the construction of a “statistical capacity building index,” and then test its explanatory power on the cyclicality of government spending. Using panel data from 62 developing countries, we find evidence that improvements in this index are associated with less procyclicality of government spending over the period 1990–2012; with the significance of this relationship dependent upon the quality of administrative and technical capacity of budgetary institutions.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2016/209

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

November 8, 2016

ISBN/ISSN:

9781475552003/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2016209

Pages:

32

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