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Innovation and growth: What have we learnt from the robustness debate?

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  • Christian Groth

    (Institute of Economics, University of Copenhagen)

Abstract

The recurrent issues of "non-robustness" and "scale effects" are discussed within a unified framework for the presentation of different generations of innovation-based growth models. With a certain proviso robust innovation-based growth models tend to end up with the long-run per capita growth rate pinned down by population growth. That is, the long-run prospect seems to be semi-endogenous growth. This is so also when essential non-renewable resources are taken into account. Semi-endogenous growth need not imply policy-invariant growth. Non-renewable resources may imply instability problems of an unfamiliar kind. The projected slowdown of population growth is likely to decrease future per capita growth as well as the discount rate relevant for evaluation of long-term environmental projects.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Groth, 2004. "Innovation and growth: What have we learnt from the robustness debate?," Discussion Papers 04-29, University of Copenhagen. Department of Economics, revised Nov 2004.
    • Handle: RePEc:kud:kuiedp:0429
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    endogenous growth; non-renewable resources; instability; limits to growth; discounting the distant future;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O4 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity
    • Q3 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation

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