Working Paper

Transition dynamics in vintage capital models: explaining the postwar catch-up of Germany and Japan

Abstract: We consider a neoclassical interpretation of Germany and Japan?s rapid postwar growth that relies on a catch-up mechanism through capital accumulation where technology is embodied in new capital goods. Using a putty-clay model of production and investment, we are able to capture many of the key empirical properties of Germany and Japan?s postwar transitions, including persistently high but declining rates of labor and total-factor productivity growth, a U-shaped response of the capital-output ratio, rising rates of investment and employment, and moderate rates of return to capital.

Keywords: Economic development - Germany; Economic development - Japan;

Bibliographic Information

Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

Part of Series: Working Paper Series

Publication Date: 2004

Number: 2004-14