Human Capital, Innovation, and Productivity Growth: Tales from Latin America and Caribbean

Yoruk, Baris (2007): Human Capital, Innovation, and Productivity Growth: Tales from Latin America and Caribbean.

Abstract

Why have Latin American and Caribbean countries (LAC countries) not replicated Western economic success? We investigate the reasons behind the economic stagnation of LAC countries for the past four decades. We utilize a nonparametric Malmquist productivity index for relevant cross-country and over time productivity growth, technological change, and technical efficiency change comparisons. We document that productivity growth differences between LAC countries and Western countries can only partially be attributed to human capital differences. We argue that along with inefficient production, differences in civil, political, and economic policies and institutions are promising factors in explaining the long-run economic performance of LAC countries.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Institution: Boston College
• Language: English
• Keywords: Caribbean; Latin America; Institutions; Malmquist productivity index
• Subjects: O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O4 - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity > O40 - General; N - Economic History > N2 - Financial Markets and Institutions > N26 - Latin America ; Caribbean; P - Economic Systems > P5 - Comparative Economic Systems > P52 - Comparative Studies of Particular Economies

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