Institutions and development: The Italian Chambers of Commerce in the promotion of the regional industrialisation during the 19th century

Abstract: The research analyses the relationship between the establishment of the Italian Chambers of Commerce and the regional industrial development during the 19th century. By applying an OLS regression model, the work finds a positive, strong, and significant correlation between the Chambers’ functioning years and the industrial value-added of their administrated territory. The study offers supporting evidence for the inclusion of the institutional approach in discussing the North-South Italian divide.