Water Policy, Productivity and Economic Efficiency

This special issue aims to encourage debate and dialogue on water policy in this perspective, focusing on the future of water as a productive factor; in particular, high quality papers illustrating original research or comprehensive reviews are sought on the following issues: •Economic analysis of experiences and open issues with innovative management of water for crop production. •Production and efficiency effects of innovative policy instruments and mechanisms (water markets, auctions, pricing mechanisms). •Ex-post and ex ante policy evaluation approaches, methods and tools, and their application to cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis of water policy measures from the point of view of economic efficiency and productivity. •Efficiency effects of coordination between water policy and specific sector policies (e.g. agriculture, energy). •Water policy and viability of economic sectors in the context of drought and climate change. •Water policy and wider economic and social issues (global economy, international markets, food security). •Water policy and competitiveness.