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Flexibility, Sectoral Hysteresis, And Downturns

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  • STEGER, THOMAS M.

Abstract

This paper sets up a two-sector growth model with sectoral hysteresis because of intersectoral factor reallocation costs. The main results are: (i) The economy under study exhibits nonergodic growth implying path-dependency (history matters) and permanent consequences of temporary shocks. (ii) Flexible economies are more likely to take advantage of technological improvements. The analysis points to a new mechanism in the flexibility-growth nexus, which complements the findings of Bertola (1994). (iii) Periods of negative growth can be explained as optimal responses of an economy to favorable technology shocks. This result sheds light on the fact that economic development is associated with recurring downturns.

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  • Steger, Thomas M., 2007. "Flexibility, Sectoral Hysteresis, And Downturns," Macroeconomic Dynamics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 11(1), pages 128-148, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:cup:macdyn:v:11:y:2007:i:01:p:128-148_05
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    Cited by:

    1. Thomas M. Steger, 2006. "On the Mechanics of Economic Convergence," German Economic Review, Verein für Socialpolitik, vol. 7, pages 317-337, August.
    2. Beate Schirwitz, 2013. "Business Fluctuations, Job Flows and Trade Unions - Dynamics in the Economy," ifo Beiträge zur Wirtschaftsforschung, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, number 47.

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