Counterfeiting in Italian regions: an empirical analysis based on new data

Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the counterfeiting process in Italy, at a subnational level. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses panel data estimators and mixture models regression. Findings – The paper !nds that homogeneous clusters of regions could be derived, as a result of economic and geographical reasons. Moreover, household and public administration expenditure, indirect taxation, foreigners/population ratio and the number of ports have a positive impact on the counterfeiting diffusion index. Practical implications – The paper is practical as a source of reference in contrasting counterfeiting process. Originality/value – The paper uses new data applying recent econometric techniques to !nd homogeneous groups of regions on counterfeiting index. Keywords Counterfeiting, Panel data, Italian regions Paper type Research paper