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An attempt at a reconciliation of the Sraffian and Kaleckian views on desired utilization

Author

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  • Reiner Franke

    (University of Kiel, Germany)

Abstract

This paper derives firms’ desired rate of utilization from an explicit maximization of a conjectured rate of profit at the micro level. Invoking a strategic complementarity, desired utilization is thus an increasing function of not only the profit share but also the actual utilization. Drawing on recent empirical material and a straightforward functional specification, the model is subsequently numerically calibrated. In particular, this ensures a unique solution for a steady-state position in which the actual and the endogenous desired rates of utilization coincide. On the other hand, it turns out that the anticipated losses of firms by not producing at the desired level are rather small. Hence there may be only weak pressure on them to close a utilization gap in the ordinary way by suitable adjustments in fixed investment. It is indicated that this finding may serve Kaleckian economists as a more rigorous justification for viewing their equilibria as pertaining to the long run, even if they allow actual utilization to deviate persistently from desired utilization.

Suggested Citation

  • Reiner Franke, 2020. "An attempt at a reconciliation of the Sraffian and Kaleckian views on desired utilization," European Journal of Economics and Economic Policies: Intervention, Edward Elgar Publishing, vol. 17(1), pages 61-77, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:ejeepi:v:17:y:2020:i:1:p61-77
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Michalis Nikiforos, 2023. "Notes on the accumulation and utilization of capital: Some theoretical issues," Metroeconomica, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 74(1), pages 223-247, February.
    2. A Heise, 2020. "Wage-led and profit-led regime research – promising scientific research programme or scientific cul-de-sac?," Economic Issues Journal Articles, Economic Issues, vol. 25(2), pages 31-49, September.
    3. Petach, Luke & Tavani, Daniele, 2022. "Aggregate demand externalities, income distribution, and wealth inequality," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 433-446.
    4. Biao Huang, 2020. "Normal utilization rate in the Sraffa framework," Metroeconomica, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 71(4), pages 767-780, November.
    5. Mark Setterfield, 2021. "Harrodians and Kaleckians: a suggested reconciliation and synthesis," Working Papers 2111, New School for Social Research, Department of Economics, revised Jan 2022.
    6. Attilio Trezzini, 2021. "Harrodian Instability: An Unhelpful Analytical Concept," Review of Radical Political Economics, Union for Radical Political Economics, vol. 53(2), pages 320-336, June.
    7. Hein, Eckhard, 2022. "Varieties of demand and growth regimes: Post-Keynesian foundations," IPE Working Papers 196/2022, Berlin School of Economics and Law, Institute for International Political Economy (IPE).
    8. Michalis Nikiforos, 2020. "Notes on the Accumulation and Utilization of Capital: Some Theoretical Issues," Economics Working Paper Archive wp_952, Levy Economics Institute.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    endogenous desired utilization; profit maximization; conjectured profits; strategic complementarities; calibration;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General
    • E12 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models - - - Keynes; Keynesian; Post-Keynesian; Modern Monetary Theory
    • E30 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)

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