Endogenous Growth Theory in the Harrod-Domar Growth Model
The Harrod-Domar Growth Model is a classical economic model that explains economic growth in terms of capital accumulation. According to the model, economic growth is driven by investment in capital, which increases the productive capacity of the economy.
Endogenous growth theory, on the other hand, argues that economic growth is not only driven by external factors such as capital accumulation, but also by internal factors within the economy. These internal factors include technological progress, human capital, and innovation.
Incorporating Endogenous Growth into the Harrod-Domar Model
The Harrod-Domar Growth Model can be modified to incorporate endogenous growth factors by introducing a new parameter, "α", that represents the contribution of endogenous factors to economic growth. The modified model becomes:
```
g = s(α + k)
```
where:
- g is the economic growth rate
- s is the savings rate
- α is the endogenous growth parameter
- k is the capital-output ratio
Implications of Endogenous Growth
The incorporation of endogenous growth into the Harrod-Domar Model has several implications:
- Sustained Growth: Endogenous growth factors allow the economy to sustain economic growth even without continuous increases in the savings rate or capital accumulation. This is because endogenous factors can continuously improve productivity and efficiency.
- Role of Productivity: The endogenous growth parameter, α, emphasizes the importance of productivity improvements in economic growth. By investing in education, research and development, and innovation, countries can enhance their endogenous growth potential.
- Long-Term Determinants: Endogenous growth factors become more important determinants of economic growth in the long run than capital accumulation. This implies that countries with higher levels of education, innovation, and a skilled workforce will have higher sustainable growth rates.
Limitations of the Modified Harrod-Domar Model
- Simplified assumptions: The modified Harrod-Domar Model still assumes a constant capital-output ratio and a linear production function. These assumptions may not hold in real-world economies.
- Measurement challenges: Measuring endogenous growth factors, such as technological progress and human capital, can be challenging.
- Other factors: Endogenous growth theory also recognizes the role of other factors, such as institutional quality, government policies, and market structure, which are not explicitly captured in the Harrod-Domar Model.
Overall, the incorporation of endogenous growth into the Harrod-Domar Growth Model provides a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that drive economic growth and emphasizes the importance of investing in productivity-enhancing factors. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the model and consider other factors that may contribute to economic growth.