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Theory and Practice in the Choice of Social Discount Rate for Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Survey

Author

Listed:
  • Zhuang, Juzhong

    (Asian Development Bank)

  • Liang, Zhihong

    (University of Guelph)

  • Lin, Tun

    (Asian Development Bank)

  • de Guzman, Franklin

    (Asian Development Bank)

Abstract

The choice of an appropriate social discount rate for cost-benefit analysis of public projects has long been a contentious issue and subject to intense debate among economists. This debate has gained new impetus from the recent discussions on the economics of climate change. The purpose of this paper is to survey theories and practices in the choice of the social discount rate. More specifically, the paper examines economic arguments for discounting future benefits and costs and analytical approaches to the choice of the social discount rate, including how a social discount rate can be estimated empirically under each approach; and policy practices followed by countries around the world in the choice of the social discount rate. This paper is intended as a reference material on project economic analysis for ADB staff, consultants, and concerned government officials in developing member countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhuang, Juzhong & Liang, Zhihong & Lin, Tun & de Guzman, Franklin, 2007. "Theory and Practice in the Choice of Social Discount Rate for Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Survey," ADB Economics Working Paper Series 94, Asian Development Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:adbewp:0094
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sandmo, Agnar & Dreze, Jacques H, 1971. "Discount Rates for Public Investment in Closed and Open Economies," Economica, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 38(152), pages 395-412, November.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    cost-benefit analysis; discount rate; economics of climate change; project economic analysis; social discount rate;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D61 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Allocative Efficiency; Cost-Benefit Analysis
    • D62 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Externalities
    • H43 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Project Evaluation; Social Discount Rate

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