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Finance, Technology and Inequality in Economic Development

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  • Ryo Horii

    (Graduate School of Economics, Osaka University)

  • Ryoji Ohdoi

    (Graduate School of Economics, Osaka University)

  • Kazuhiro Yamamoto

    (Graduate School of Economics, Osaka University)

Abstract

This paper presents an overlapping generations model with technology choice and credit market imperfections, in order to investigate a possible source of underdevelopment. The model shows that a better financial infrastructure that provides stronger enforcement of contracts facilitates the development of financial markets, which, in turn, enables firms to switch to more productive and capital-intensive technologies, thereby promoting economic development. In the presence of credit rationing, however, this technological switch widens inequality. Therefore, risk-averse agents would not be willing to improve the financial infrastructure to the level at which the technological switch occurs, resulting in a development trap. A remedy is to facilitate small firms f adoption of the currently used technology rather than the new one.

Suggested Citation

  • Ryo Horii & Ryoji Ohdoi & Kazuhiro Yamamoto, 2005. "Finance, Technology and Inequality in Economic Development," Discussion Papers in Economics and Business 05-08-Rev, Osaka University, Graduate School of Economics, revised Aug 2005.
    • Handle: RePEc:osk:wpaper:0508r
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    Cited by:

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    2. Radhika Lahiri & Shyama Ratnasiri, 2007. "Concerning Inequality, Technology Adoption, and Structural Change," International Advances in Economic Research, Springer;International Atlantic Economic Society, vol. 13(4), pages 527-528, November.
    3. Kerstin Gerling, 2008. "The Real Consequences of Financial Market Integration when Countries Are Heterogeneous," Working Papers 141, Oesterreichische Nationalbank (Austrian Central Bank).
    4. Radhika Lahiri & Shyama Ratnasiri, 2007. "Concerning Technology Adoption and Inequality," School of Economics and Finance Discussion Papers and Working Papers Series 215, School of Economics and Finance, Queensland University of Technology.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Enforcement; Technological Switch; Income Distribution; Credit Rationing; Development Trap; Institutions.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance

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