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R&D-driven biases in energy-saving technical change: A putty-practically-clay approach

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  • van Zon, Adriaan
  • Lontzek, Thomas S.

Abstract

This paper deals with the problem of tackling the adverse effect of output growth on environmental quality. For this purpose we use an intermediate sector that builds putty-practically-clay capital consisting of an amalgam of energy and raw capital used for final goods production. The putty-practically-clay model is a strongly simplified version of a full putty-clay model, that mimics all the relevant behaviour of a full putty-clay model, but that does not entail the administrative complications of a full putty-clay model. In addition, we introduce an R&D sector that develops renewable and conventional energy-related technologies. The allocation of R&D activities over these two uses of R&D gives rise to an induced bias in technical change in line with Kennedy (1964). In the context of our model, this implies that technological progress is primarily driven by the desire to counteract the upward pressure on production cost implied by a continuing price increase of conventional energy resources. By means of illustrative model simulations we study the effects of energy policy on the dynamics of the model for alternative policy options aimed at achieving Greenhouse Gas emission reductions. We identify the conditions under which energy policy might partly backfire and present some non-standard policy implications.

Suggested Citation

  • van Zon, Adriaan & Lontzek, Thomas S., 2008. "R&D-driven biases in energy-saving technical change: A putty-practically-clay approach," Kiel Working Papers 1474, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ifwkwp:1474
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Induced biased technological change; putty-clay vintage models; energy; renewable resources;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E22 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Investment; Capital; Intangible Capital; Capacity
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • Q42 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Alternative Energy Sources
    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy

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