The Mystery of Economic Growth

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Economic growth significantly impacts the well-being of billions worldwide, making its study essential for understanding global dynamics. Elhanan Helpman explores recent research that has transformed our comprehension of this topic, presenting its key insights in an accessible manner. He organizes his discussion around several themes: the accumulation of physical and human capital, the influence of technological factors on this accumulation, the process of knowledge creation and its effect on productivity, the interdependence of growth rates among countries, and the role of economic and political institutions in fostering innovation and change. As a leading researcher in the field, Helpman reviews and critiques current studies on capital accumulation, education, productivity, trade, inequality, geography, and institutions, emphasizing their relevance to global economic disparities. He identifies institutions—such as property rights, legal frameworks, customs, and political systems—as central to understanding economic growth. By addressing these factors, Helpman aims to uncover solutions that could help the poorest nations achieve sustained growth in per capita income, making his work a crucial contribution to this ongoing discourse.