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Neoclassical Convergence Versus Technological Catch-Up : A Contribution for Reaching a Consensus

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  • Alain Desdoigts

    (LEG - Laboratoire d'Economie et de Gestion - UB - Université de Bourgogne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, EUREQUA - Equipe Universitaire de Recherche en Economie Quantitative - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

New macro empirical evidence is provided to assess the relative importance of object andidea gaps in explaining the world income distribution dynamics over a benchmark period of 1960-1985. Results are then extended through 1995. Formal statistical hypothesis tests allow us to discriminatebetween two competing growth models: (i) the standard neoclassical growth model similarto that employed by Mankiw, Romer, and Weil (1992), and (ii) an endogenous growth modelclosely related to the Nelson and Phelps' approach (1966) that emphasizes the importance of technologytransfer in addition to factor accumulation as an opportunity to catch up. First, the lattercan hardly be rejected and reveals itself to be either a reliable alternative or a complementarymodel, depending on the sample under study. Second, taking into consideration the impact of thetechnological catch-up phenomenon allows us to better capture and locally fit the pattern of incomedistribution dynamics that took place over the period of 1960-1995.

Suggested Citation

  • Alain Desdoigts, 2004. "Neoclassical Convergence Versus Technological Catch-Up : A Contribution for Reaching a Consensus," Post-Print halshs-00007815, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-00007815
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    Cited by:

    1. Cem Ertur & Wilfried Koch, 2006. "The Role of Human Capital and Technological Interdependence in Growth and Convergence Processes: International Evidence," DEGIT Conference Papers c011_029, DEGIT, Dynamics, Economic Growth, and International Trade.
    2. Ewa Lechman, 2012. "Technology convergence and digital divides. A country-level evidence for the period 2000–2010," Ekonomia journal, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw, vol. 31.
    3. Temple, Jonathan & Sirimaneetham, Vatcharin, 2006. "Macroeconomic Policy and the Distribution of Growth Rates," CEPR Discussion Papers 5642, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    4. Cem Ertur & W. Koch, 2006. "Convergence, Human Capital and International Spillovers," Post-Print halshs-00250303, HAL.
    5. Ewa, Lechman, 2012. "Cross national technology convergence. An empirical study for the period 2000-2010," MPRA Paper 37442, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    6. Jérôme Vandenbussche & Philippe Aghion & Costas Meghir, 2006. "Growth, distance to frontier and composition of human capital," Journal of Economic Growth, Springer, vol. 11(2), pages 97-127, June.
    7. Philippe Aghion, 2004. "Growth and Development: A Schumpeterian Approach," Annals of Economics and Finance, Society for AEF, vol. 5(1), pages 1-25, May.
    8. Wilfried Koch, 2005. "Neighborhood Effects In The Solow Model With Spatial Externalities," ERSA conference papers ersa05p723, European Regional Science Association.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    endogenous growth; neoclassical convergence; technological catch-up; income dynamics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General
    • O50 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - General

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