Abstract
What is the economic rationale for investing in science? Based on an open economy
model of creative destruction, we characterize four key factors of optimal investment in basic research: the stage of economic development, the strength of the manufacturing base, the degree of openness, and the share of foreign-owned firms. For each of these factors, we analyse its bearings on optimal basic research investment. We then show that the predicted effects are consistent with patterns observed in the data and discuss how the factor-based approach might inform basic research policies.
model of creative destruction, we characterize four key factors of optimal investment in basic research: the stage of economic development, the strength of the manufacturing base, the degree of openness, and the share of foreign-owned firms. For each of these factors, we analyse its bearings on optimal basic research investment. We then show that the predicted effects are consistent with patterns observed in the data and discuss how the factor-based approach might inform basic research policies.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Economic Inquiry |
| Publication status | Acceptance date - 22 Apr 2020 |
Cite this
Schneider, M. T. (Accepted/In press). Macroeconomic Rationales for Public Investments in Science. Economic Inquiry.