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Time-consistent control in nonlinear models

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  • Ambler, Steve
  • Pelgrin, Florian

Abstract

The paper shows how to use optimal control to compute optimal time-consistent Markovian government policies in nonlinear dynamic general equilibrium models. It extends Cohen and Michel's (1988) results for the linear-quadratic case. The method involves replacing private agents' costate variables with flexible functions of current state variables in the government's maximization problem. The functions hold in equilibrium to an arbitrarily close approximation. They can be found numerically by perturbation or projection methods. A stochastic model of optimal public spending illustrates the technique.

Suggested Citation

  • Ambler, Steve & Pelgrin, Florian, 2010. "Time-consistent control in nonlinear models," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 34(10), pages 2215-2228, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:dyncon:v:34:y:2010:i:10:p:2215-2228
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    Cited by:

    1. Mário Amorim Lopes & Fernando A. C. C. Fontes & Dalila A. C. C. Fontes, 2013. "Optimal Control of Infinite-Horizon Growth Models — A direct approach," FEP Working Papers 506, Universidade do Porto, Faculdade de Economia do Porto.
    2. Christophe Gouel & Sébastien Jean, 2015. "Optimal Food Price Stabilization in a Small Open Developing Country," The World Bank Economic Review, World Bank Group, vol. 29(1), pages 72-101.
    3. Dennis, Richard & Kirsanova, Tatiana, 2016. "Computing Markov-Perfect Optimal Policies In Business-Cycle Models," Macroeconomic Dynamics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 20(7), pages 1850-1872, October.
    4. Novales, Alfonso & Pérez, Rafaela & Ruiz, Jesús, 2014. "Optimal time-consistent fiscal policy in an endogenous growth economy with public consumption and capital," Journal of Macroeconomics, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 104-117.
    5. Richard Dennis, 2013. "Asset Prices, Business Cycles, and Markov-Perfect Fiscal Policy when Agents are Risk-Sensitive," CAMA Working Papers 2013-69, Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis, Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University.
    6. Kankanamge, Sumudu & Weitzenblum, Thomas, 2016. "Time-consistent unemployment insurance," TSE Working Papers 16-657, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).
    7. Ambler, Steve & Bouakez, Hafedh & Cardia, Emanuela, 2017. "Does the crowding-in effect of public spending on private consumption undermine neoclassical models?," Research in Economics, Elsevier, vol. 71(3), pages 399-410.
    8. Dennis, Richard & Kirsanova, Tatiana, 2014. "Computing Markov-Perfect Optimal Policies in Business-Cycle Models," 2007 Annual Meeting, July 29-August 1, 2007, Portland, Oregon TN 2015-64, American Agricultural Economics Association (New Name 2008: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association).
    9. Dennis, Richard, 2022. "Computing time-consistent equilibria: A perturbation approach," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    10. Christophe Gouel, 2013. "Rules versus Discretion in Food Storage Policies," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 95(4), pages 1029-1044.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Optimal government policy Time consistency Control theory;

    JEL classification:

    • E61 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Policy Objectives; Policy Designs and Consistency; Policy Coordination
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • C63 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computational Techniques

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