Published on April 14, 2026 – Updated on April 14, 2026
Location
Pôle Tertiaire - Site La Rotonde - 26 avenue Léon Blum - 63000 Clermont-Ferrand
Room 212

Research seminar. The Rise of Universities and Economic Development in Medieval and Early Modern Europe


Nikos Benos
University of Ioannina
Google Scholar Profile

Coauthors: Maurizio Conti et Michail Papazoglou

Abstract

This paper examines the long-run impact of Medieval and Early Modern universities on urban population growth in a panel of 2,262 European cities observed between 700 and 1800. Using a staggered difference-in-differences design with heterogeneous treatment timing, we estimate the effect of university establishment on city population. We find positive and statistically significant effects between 1200 and 1500, concentrated among early, high-quality institutions. Effects are stronger in cities close to major trade routes and persist longer in Atlantic areas, while fading earlier in Mediterranean regions, suggesting the importance of trade-related mechanisms.