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Explaining neoclassical economists' pro-growth agenda: does the popular Solow growth model bias economic analysis?

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  • Hendrik Van den Berg

Abstract

The Solow model concludes that long-run growth depends on technological progress, which is taken by neoclassical economists as suggesting there are no limits to growth because humanity's capacity to think and expand knowledge is unlimited. This paper develops a two-sector Solow model consisting of natural and economic sectors, and it demonstrates that continued rapid growth is not inevitable and an economic collapse is possible. The logical application of the Solow model thus does not provide a justification for continuing the energy-based technological change and economic growth we have experienced over the past two centuries.

Suggested Citation

  • Hendrik Van den Berg, 2012. "Explaining neoclassical economists' pro-growth agenda: does the popular Solow growth model bias economic analysis?," International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 3(1), pages 40-62.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijplur:v:3:y:2012:i:1:p:40-62
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mantas Markauskas & Asta Baliute, 2021. "Technological progress spillover effect in Lithuanian manufacturing industry," Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 16(4), pages 783-806, December.

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