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From Solow to Romer: Teaching endogenous technological change in undergraduate economics

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  • Chu, Angus C.

Abstract

Undergraduate students learn economic growth theory through the seminal Solow model, which takes the growth rate of technology as given. To understand the origin of technological progress, we need a model of endogenous technological change. The Romer model fills this important gap in the literature. However, given its complexity, undergraduate students often find the Romer model difficult. This paper proposes a simple method of teaching the Romer model. We add three layers of structure (one at a time) to extend the familiar Solow model into the less familiar Romer model. First, we incorporate a competitive market structure into the Solow model. Then, we modify the competitive market structure into a monopolistic market structure. Finally, we introduce an R&D sector that invents new products.

Suggested Citation

  • Chu, Angus C., 2018. "From Solow to Romer: Teaching endogenous technological change in undergraduate economics," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 27(C), pages 10-15.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ireced:v:27:y:2018:i:c:p:10-15
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iree.2018.01.006
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    1. Philippe Aghion & Diego Comin & Peter Howitt & Isabel Tecu, 2016. "When Does Domestic Savings Matter for Economic Growth?," IMF Economic Review, Palgrave Macmillan;International Monetary Fund, vol. 64(3), pages 381-407, August.
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    5. Romer, Paul M, 1990. "Endogenous Technological Change," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 98(5), pages 71-102, October.
    6. Jones, Charles I, 1995. "R&D-Based Models of Economic Growth," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 103(4), pages 759-784, August.
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    10. Lewis Evans & Neil Quigley & Jie Zhang, 2003. "Optimal price regulation in a growth model with monopolistic suppliers of intermediate goods," Canadian Journal of Economics, Canadian Economics Association, vol. 36(2), pages 463-474, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jussi Heikkilä & Timo Ali-Vehmas & Julius Rissanen, 2021. "The Link Between Standardization and Economic Growth: A Bibliometric Analysis," International Journal of Standardization Research (IJSR), IGI Global, vol. 19(1), pages 1-25, January.
    2. Bongers, Anelí & Gómez, Trinidad & Torres, José L., 2020. "Teaching dynamic General equilibrium macroeconomics to undergraduates using a spreadsheet," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 35(C).
    3. Bongers, Anelí & Molinari, Benedetto & Torres, José L., 2022. "Computers, Programming and Dynamic General Equilibrium Macroeconomic Modeling," MPRA Paper 112505, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    4. Chu, Angus C., 2020. "Advanced Macroeconomics for Undergraduates," MPRA Paper 98249, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economic growth; Endogenous technological change; The Romer model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General

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