Research Papers

We investigated the empirical evidence for various growth theories under conditions of model uncertainty. Using model averaging methods, we assessed the roles of fundamental growth theories, macroeconomic policy effects, regional heterogeneity, and parameter heterogeneity in explaining aggregate growth.

We aimed to address the uncertainty regarding the correct growth model and to evaluate the strength of empirical evidence for different growth theories. By doing so, we sought to understand the limitations of cross-country growth regressions in adjudicating these theories.

We highlight that cross-country growth regressions have limited capacity to determine the relative importance of alternative growth theories. Our findings underscore the significance of macroeconomic policy effects and regional heterogeneity, suggesting a need for more nuanced models and approaches in growth economics research.

We described a perspective on poverty traps where group-level influences generate persistence in economic status. We explored how social and environmental factors in places like Harlem contribute to this phenomenon and examined the impact of these influences on the identity and socioeconomic conditions of residents.

We aimed to understand the mechanisms behind persistent poverty by focusing on group-level influences. By examining social and environmental factors, we sought to provide insights into how these elements perpetuate economic disparity and hinder upward mobility.

Understanding poverty traps and the role of group-level influences is crucial for developing effective policies to break the cycle of poverty. By identifying the factors that contribute to persistent economic status, we can better address the root causes of inequality and promote social and economic mobility.

This paper provides a survey and synthesis of econometric tools that have been employed to study economic growth. It will both survey the body of econometric and statistical methods that have been brought to bear on growth questions and provide some assessments of the value of these tools.

The difficulties inherent in the empirical study of growth have prompted the field to evolve continuously, and to adopt a wide range of methods. We argue that a sufficiently rich set of statistical tools for the study of growth have been developed and applied that they collectively define an area of growth econometrics.

The empirical study of economic growth occupies a position that is notably uneasy. Understanding the wealth of nations is one of the oldest and most important research agendas in the entire discipline. At the same time, it is also one of the areas in which genuine progress seems hardest to achieve.

We provided a critical overview of the literature on the convergence hypothesis, examining why statistical tests have not adequately addressed the notion of economic convergence. We proposed new research directions that focus on cross-country heterogeneity in the growth process to better understand convergence as an economic phenomenon.

We aimed to identify the shortcomings of existing empirical research on convergence and to suggest new approaches that explicitly consider cross-country differences. This approach seeks to enhance the understanding of convergence by addressing economic relevance more directly.

By focusing on cross-country heterogeneity, our proposed research directions can offer a more accurate and meaningful analysis of economic convergence. This improved understanding is essential for formulating effective economic policies that promote growth and reduce disparities between countries.

We explored the implications of studies on cross-country growth determinants for evaluating alternative policies. We analyzed the insights gained from empirical growth studies over the past fifteen years and their role in understanding the growth experiences of various countries.

We aimed to assess how empirical growth studies, influenced by seminal works of Lucas and Romer, contribute to the evaluation of different growth policies. This helps in understanding the practical applications of theoretical growth models.

Evaluating alternative policies based on cross-country growth studies provides valuable insights for macroeconomic policy-making. Understanding similarities and differences in growth experiences aids in formulating effective and context-specific economic strategies.

We generalized the empirical analysis of the Solow growth model to account for country-specific heterogeneity, relaxing the common assumption that all countries have identical aggregate production functions. Our analysis revealed significant country-specific variations in Solow parameters linked to differences in initial income levels.

We aimed to enhance the explanatory power of the Solow growth model by incorporating country-specific factors. This approach allows for a more accurate representation of the diverse economic environments across different countries.

Recognizing and incorporating country-specific heterogeneity in growth models improves their explanatory value and accuracy. This enhanced model provides better insights into the economic growth processes of individual countries, leading to more tailored and effective economic policies.