‘BBVA Foundation-IVIE Economic Research Program’

The BBVA Foundation-IVIE Economic Research Program grew out of two IVIE research projects supported by our Foundation, ?Estimation of Public and Private Capital Stock Series in Spain? and ?Social Capital and Economic Growth in Spain and its Regions?.
The BBVA Foundation-IVIE program spans four principal research lines: 1. Capitalization, productivity and growth; 2. European integration, 3. Population studies and 4. Social capital

1. Capitalization, productivity and growth

Among the most consolidated research lines within the program. The idea is to continue the work done in recent years in the following areas:
A. Analysis of growth and productivity from an international standpoint, focusing on new technologies and the advancement of the knowledge society
B. Analysis of the performance and interrelations of key institutions in the advancement of the knowledge society: universities and corporations
C. Analysis of growth, productivity and localization from a regional standpoint
D. Inequality, social cohesion and welfare: measurements and applications
E. Update and improvement of capital stock databases

2. European integration

The goal of this new research line is to analyze the consequences for Europe?s geography, population, production factors and economic activity, in a globalization context, of the three building bricks of the single European space (free movement of people and capital and the freedom of establishment).

Proposed work areas are as follows:
A. European integration, localization and delocalization
B. European integration, growth and cohesion
C. Financial integration, competition and profitability in European banking
D. Financial integration and structures in Spain and Europe

3. Population studies

The aim of this research line is to enlarge and complete the project in progress on ?Population Distribution in Spain in the 20th Century?, adding new dimensions that echo the renewed importance of demographics in social dynamics related to longer life expectancy, gender and immigration.

Proposed work areas are as follows:
A. Localization of the population
B. Territorial dynamics of the Spanish population in the 21st century
C. The economic value of population health improvements (health capital estimation)
D. Evaluation of health risks and programs
4. Social capital

This research line will lay special emphasis on relations between social capital and economic institutions and the role of social capital as an economic development driver.

Proposed work areas are as follows:
A. Social capital and the financial system
B. Trust and social networks within organizations
C. Social capital, economic growth and development
D. Social capital measurement and data banks