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What You Export Matters

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  • Rodrik, Dani
  • Hausmann, Ricardo
  • ,

Abstract

When local cost discovery generates knowledge spillovers, specialization patterns become partly indeterminate and the mix of goods that a country produces may have important implications for economic growth. We demonstrate this proposition formally and adduce some empirical support for it. We construct an index of the 'income level of a country's exports,' document its properties, and show that it predicts subsequent economic growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Rodrik, Dani & Hausmann, Ricardo & ,, 2006. "What You Export Matters," CEPR Discussion Papers 5444, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:5444
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Specialization; Productivity; Growth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade
    • O4 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity

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    This paper has been announced in the following NEP Reports:

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