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The Dynamic Effects of Income Tax Changes in a World of Ideas

Author

Listed:
  • James Cloyne

    (University of California Davis, NBER and CEPR)

  • Joseba Martinez

    (London Business School and CEPR)

  • Haroon Mumtaz

    (Queen Mary, University of London)

  • Paolo Surico

    (London Business School and CEPR)

Abstract

Using a narrative identification of US tax changes over the post-WWII period, we show that corporate income tax cuts foster R&D spending and innovation, leading to a persistent increase in aggregate productivity and output. In contrast, changes in the average personal income tax rate have mostly short-term e ects. An estimated endogenous productivity model highlights therole of "applied research" - over and above formal R&D - as a main force behind these results, and suggests a social rate of return to investment in innovation between 20% and 75%.

Suggested Citation

  • James Cloyne & Joseba Martinez & Haroon Mumtaz & Paolo Surico, 2023. "The Dynamic Effects of Income Tax Changes in a World of Ideas," Working Papers 970, Queen Mary University of London, School of Economics and Finance.
    • Handle: RePEc:qmw:qmwecw:970
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • E23 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Production
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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