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Innovation and Growth with Rich and Poor Consumers

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  • Brunner, Johann K
  • Zweimüller, Josef

Abstract

This paper studies the impact of income inequality on the level of innovative activity in a model where innovations result in quality improvements. The market for quality goods is characterized by a natural oligopoly with two types of consumers – rich and poor. In general, we find that for reasons of strategic price setting a more equal distribution is favourable for innovation incentives. This is consistent with empirical evidence, suggesting that countries with a more equal distribution have grown faster.

Suggested Citation

  • Brunner, Johann K & Zweimüller, Josef, 1998. "Innovation and Growth with Rich and Poor Consumers," CEPR Discussion Papers 1855, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:1855
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Growth; Inequality; Innovation; Product Quality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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