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The Role of Material/Energy Resources and Dematerialisation in Economic Growth Theories

Author

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  • Robert U. Ayres

    (INSEAD)

  • Jeroen C.J.M. van den Bergh

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Abstract

The nature of energy and material resources in an endogenous growththeory framework isclarified. This involves three modifications of the conventionaltheory. Firstly, multiple feedbackmechanisms or “growth engines” are identified. Secondly, a productionfunction distinguishesbetween resource use, technical efficiency and value creation.Thirdly, the impact of the cost ofproduction through demand on growth is accounted for. A formal modelis analytically solvedunder a condition of a constant growth rate. Given model complexity,numerical experiments areperformed as well, providing relevant insights to the academic andpolitical debates on‘environmental Kuznets curves’ and ‘dematerialization’.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert U. Ayres & Jeroen C.J.M. van den Bergh, 2000. "The Role of Material/Energy Resources and Dematerialisation in Economic Growth Theories," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 00-068/3, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20000068
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    dematerialization; environmental Kuznets curve; feedback mechanisms; production function specification; resource scarcity; value creation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O41 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - One, Two, and Multisector Growth Models
    • Q32 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Exhaustible Resources and Economic Development
    • Q43 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Energy and the Macroeconomy

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