This paper presents a demand-led growth model augmented with induced technical change to address the two Harrod’s problems in growth theory. Building on recent developments in the supermultiplier literature, we investigate how both Harrodian instability problems can be resolved through two complementary mechanisms: (1) autonomous, non-capacity-creating demand components growing at an exogenous rate, and (2) endogenous technical change responsive to income distribution. On the one hand, demand shocks are absorbed via adjustments in the investment share, allowing capital accumulation to align with the exogenously determined growth rate of autonomous expenditures. On the other hand, labor market imbalances trigger productivity adjustments that reconcile natural and warranted growth by altering the wage share. This dual adjustment mechanism allows the system to sustain normal capacity utilization and stable employment rates, while preserving demand-led growth outcomes.
Harrodian instability and induced technical change / Gallo, Ettore; Zamparelli, Luca. - In: JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY ECONOMICS. - ISSN 0936-9937. - 36:2(2026). [10.1007/s00191-026-00961-w]
Harrodian instability and induced technical change
Gallo, Ettore
;
2026-01-01
Abstract
This paper presents a demand-led growth model augmented with induced technical change to address the two Harrod’s problems in growth theory. Building on recent developments in the supermultiplier literature, we investigate how both Harrodian instability problems can be resolved through two complementary mechanisms: (1) autonomous, non-capacity-creating demand components growing at an exogenous rate, and (2) endogenous technical change responsive to income distribution. On the one hand, demand shocks are absorbed via adjustments in the investment share, allowing capital accumulation to align with the exogenously determined growth rate of autonomous expenditures. On the other hand, labor market imbalances trigger productivity adjustments that reconcile natural and warranted growth by altering the wage share. This dual adjustment mechanism allows the system to sustain normal capacity utilization and stable employment rates, while preserving demand-led growth outcomes.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.


