The aim of this paper is to discuss the process of regional convergence within the framework of an overlapping generations
model in which the engine of growth is the accumulation of human capital. In particular, we consider different education funding
systems and compare their performance in terms of growth rates and pace of convergence between two heterogeneous regions.
The analysis suggests that the choice of a particular education system incorporates a possible trade-off between long run
growth rate and short run convergence. In such choice, the initial capital stock and the extent of regional human capital
discrepancy appear as central variables.
JEL classification: O41 - F22
Key words: Altruism - education - growth - convergence - capital mobility
Received: 27 January 1999/Accepted: 16 April 1999