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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://purl.umn.edu/6206

Title: General Purpose Technology, Revolutionary Technology, and Technological Maturity
Authors: Ruttan, Vernon W.
Authors (Email): Ruttan, Vernon W. (vruttan@umn.edu)
Issue Date: 2008-04
Series/Report no.: Staff Paper
P08-3
Abstract: An important inference of the theoretical literature on the development of general purpose technologies is that public investment in their development is necessary if economic growth is to be sustained. The theoretical results are broadly consistent with the empirical generalization that the public sector, particularly military and defense related research, technology development and procurement, has played an important role in the development of most of the general purpose technologies in which the United States is presently globally competitive. These sources are, however, unlikely to play such an important role in the development of new general purpose technologies in the immediate future. Nor is the private sector, burdened by impatient capital, likely to become an important source of new general purpose technology.
URI: http://purl.umn.edu/6206
Institution/Association: University of Minnesota>Department of Applied Economics>Staff Papers
Total Pages: 25
Collections:Staff Papers

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