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Growth accounting for a technology follower in a world of ideas: The case of Singapore

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  • Ho, Kong Weng
  • Hoon, Hian Teck

Abstract

We account for the sources of Singapore's growth by being explicit about the channels through which Singapore benefits from international R&D spillovers. We find that 61.5% of Singapore's real GDP per worker growth over the 1970-2004 period is due to multifactor productivity growth. More specifically, 52.1% of the growth is explained by an increase in the effectiveness of accessing ideas through improvement in Singapore's educational quality as well as increases in machinery imports and foreign direct investment from the G5 countries. Taking account of technology transfer raises the average rate of return to capital to 12.5%.

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  • Ho, Kong Weng & Hoon, Hian Teck, 2009. "Growth accounting for a technology follower in a world of ideas: The case of Singapore," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 20(2), pages 156-173, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:asieco:v:20:y:2009:i:2:p:156-173
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    1. Hong Zhuang, 2017. "The effect of foreign direct investment on human capital development in East Asia," Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(2), pages 195-211, April.

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