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Macrodynamic Modeling of Innovation Equilibria and Traps

Author

Listed:
  • Sanchez-Carrera Edgar J.

    (Department of Economics, Society, and Politics, The University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy)

  • Ille Sebastian

    (Department of Economics, New College of the Humanities, London, UK)

  • Travaglini Giuseppe

    (Department of Economics, Society, and Politics, The University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy)

Abstract

We study the interplay between the decision of firms to innovate and human capital. Based on a dynamic evolutionary model, we show that in the presence of a high stock of human capital, an advanced economy can remain caught in an “innovation trap”. Following the literature on endogenous growth, R&D investments and human capital are modeled as strategic complements. Skilled workers increase productivity and enjoy a wage premium if they are employed in the R&D sector, while they receive the same wage as unskilled workers if they are employed in the production sector. We model the evolutionary dynamics of the share of innovative firms and human capital to determine the conditions under which an economy converges to a high, low or mixed state of innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Sanchez-Carrera Edgar J. & Ille Sebastian & Travaglini Giuseppe, 2021. "Macrodynamic Modeling of Innovation Equilibria and Traps," The B.E. Journal of Macroeconomics, De Gruyter, vol. 21(2), pages 659-694, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:bejmac:v:21:y:2021:i:2:p:659-694:n:13
    DOI: 10.1515/bejm-2020-0258
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    behavioral macroeconomics; evolutionary dynamics; innovative firms; institutions and growth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • E20 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth

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