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Creative class dynamics, technological evolution and growth

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  • Torben Klarl

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of creativity on technological advancement, long-term economic development, and social welfare, with creativity endogenously determined through interactions within social networks. We demonstrate that an economy remains stagnant, exhibiting neither networking nor long-term growth, when the size of the creative class falls below a certain positive threshold. Conversely, surpassing this threshold triggers active networking between creative and non-creative individuals, fostering sustained technological progress and income growth. We calibrate the model and simulate the economy’s transition from stagnation to dynamic growth. Although immediate welfare gains from transitioning to a growing economy are modest, medium- to long-term welfare improvements become substantial due to the cumulative effects of technological advancement facilitated by networking.

Suggested Citation

  • Torben Klarl, 2025. "Creative class dynamics, technological evolution and growth," Bremen Papers on Economics & Innovation 2504, University of Bremen, Faculty of Business Studies and Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:atv:wpaper:2504
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.26092/elib/4429
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • E13 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models - - - Neoclassical
    • E14 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models - - - Austrian; Evolutionary; Institutional
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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