Port allocative efficiency and port devolution: a study for the Spanish port authorities (1992-2016)

Abstract

This paper analyses the effect of port devolution on the Spanish port authorities' allocative efficiency across periods with different regulations during the port devolution process in Spain. To do this, we first obtain a measure of allocative efficiency from a distance system of equations using two different approaches: the error components approach and the parametric approach. Then, we evaluate whether port devolution has had effects on allocative efficiency by applying a quantile regression approach, taking into account control variables related to port characteristics. Our results suggest that allocative inefficiencies occur in the Spanish port system. We also demonstrate that port devolution reforms, both internal and external port characteristics have had a significant effect on the port authorities' allocative inefficiency.

The spatial spillover effect and its attenuation boundary of urban economy on port efficiency

“…Port efficiency is an important indicator that reflects the optimal allocation of port resources and port competitiveness. In the context of port resource optimization and integration, improving port efficiency is very important for the government and operators, because it helps to enhance the comprehensive competitiveness of the port and realize the optimal allocation of port resources [ 52 , 53 ]. Therefore, research on port efficiency has gradually become an issue of widespread concern among scholars.…”