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Modern Universal Growth Theory (MUGT): A comprehensive upgrade to Solow

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  • de la Fonteijne, Marcel R.

Abstract

For several decades, it has been recognized that the implementation of capital and labor augmented technical progress, as is done to date, leads to a theoretical paradox: either the CES production function has to be Cobb-Douglas or there exists labor augmented technical progress only. This so-called “Cobb-Douglas or labor augmented technical progress only paradox” continues to appear in economic models despite its inconsistency. In this paper, we reject the conventional approach, i.e., all kind of neutral and non-neutral capital and labor augmented technical progress and propose a revised implementation of technical progress that resolves the paradox. Economic growth is modeled as partly exogenous, driven by technical change, and partly endogenous, driven by capital accumulation. We provide formulas to translate total factor productivity (TFP) into economic growth to show the connection, thereby clarifying the link between TFP and output dynamics. This approach offers a new perspective on the Solow model and opens alternative paths for investigating endogenous growth mechanisms.

Suggested Citation

  • de la Fonteijne, Marcel R., 2025. "Modern Universal Growth Theory (MUGT): A comprehensive upgrade to Solow," MPRA Paper 125134, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:125134
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    File URL: https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/125134/1/MPRA_paper_125134.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. de la Fonteijne, Marcel R., 2018. "Why the concept of Hicks, Harrod, Solow neutral and even non-neutral augmented technical progress is flawed in principle in any economic model," MPRA Paper 107730, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    1. de la Fonteijne, Marcel R., 2024. "The inconsistency if the production function is a homogeneous degree ν CES function, solving the problem and the presentation of the Modern Universal Growth Theory; The foundation of economic growth theory," MPRA Paper 121867, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. de la Fonteijne, Marcel R., 2025. "Balancing Workshare and Profitability within the Modern Universal Growth Theory (MUGT) Framework," MPRA Paper 126079, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. de la Fonteijne, Marcel R., 2025. "The Hidden Adjustment: Re-examining the Capital-Labor-Mix in the Harrod-neutral Growth Model," MPRA Paper 125332, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    JEL classification:

    • E00 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - General
    • E20 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • E23 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Production
    • E24 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity

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