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Rational Pension Policies

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  • Axel Börsch-Supan

    (Munich Center for the Economics of Aging (MEA) at the Max-Planck-Institute for Social Law and Social Policy; Technical University of Munich (TUM); and National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER))

Abstract

Summary Aim of this keynote is to develop a framework how to approach the design of pension policies as rationally as possible. The first step is to realize and accommodate endogenous adjustments. The second step is to align the root causes of demographic change with corresponding reform steps which include but are not confined by pension reform. The third step is to separate the issues as best as possible to strengthen the political feasibility of reform. The paper shows that relatively few and moderate reform steps suffice to solve the demographic problem in countries such as Germany and Switzerland. This is in striking contrast to the widespread resistance to reform. We falsify some of the myths, prejudices and misperceptions which make reforms politically so hard to put into place.

Suggested Citation

  • Axel Börsch-Supan, 2016. "Rational Pension Policies," Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics, Springer;Swiss Society of Economics and Statistics, vol. 152(2), pages 103-124, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sjecst:v:152:y:2016:i:2:d:10.1007_bf03399424
    DOI: 10.1007/BF03399424
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    8. Börsch-Supan, Axel & Tito Boeri & Guido Tabellini, 2002. "Would you Like to Reform the Pension System?," MEA discussion paper series 02007, Munich Center for the Economics of Aging (MEA) at the Max Planck Institute for Social Law and Social Policy.
    9. Jonathan Gruber & David A. Wise, 2004. "Social Security Programs and Retirement around the World: Micro-Estimation," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number grub04-1.
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