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Review of Economic Studies Vol. 62 No. 3 1995

R&D and Economic Growth

Nancy L. Stokey

University of Chicago

Abstract

The aggregate rate of R&D in a competitive economy is compared with the optimal rate. The optimal rate of R&D is shown to be the same for all preferences in a broad family, while the competitive rate is sensitive to the form of substitutability among products and so can vary dramatically within a family. The second-best level of R&D is shown to be also common within a family and equal to the optimal rate. Numerical examples suggest that diminishing returns in the innovation technology is the most important potential source for excessive R&D in a competitive economy.

DOI
10.2307/2298038
Volume
62
Issue
3
Pages
469
Sources
openalex crossref bibtex:phds-export.bib

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