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Intangibles, Inequality and Stagnation

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  • Shengxing Zhang

    (London School of Economics)

  • Nobuhiro Kiyotaki

    (Princeton University)

Abstract

We examine how aggregate output and income distribution interact with accumulation of intangible capital over time and across generations. We consider an overlapping generations economy in which skill of managers (intangible capital) is essential for production along with labor, and managerial skill is acquired by young workers when they are trained by old managers on the job. Because training is costly, it becomes investment in intangible capital. We show that, when young trainees face financing constraint, a small difference in initial endowment of young workers leads to a large inequality in the assignment and accumulation of intangibles. A negative shock to endowment can generate a persistent stagnation and a rise in inequality.

Suggested Citation

  • Shengxing Zhang & Nobuhiro Kiyotaki, 2017. "Intangibles, Inequality and Stagnation," 2017 Meeting Papers 1414, Society for Economic Dynamics.
    • Handle: RePEc:red:sed017:1414
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    4. Oscar Jorda & Alan Taylor & Sanjay Singh, 2019. "The Long-Run Effects of Monetary Policy," 2019 Meeting Papers 1307, Society for Economic Dynamics.

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