Does Promoting High Tech Products Spur Development

摘要: In the past decade, contributors to endogenous growth literature have identified a variety of ways that trade policy might affect long run growth. Among these, Lucas (1993) has argued mechanisms emphasized by Krugman (1987), Stokey (1988 and 1991) Young (1991) provide an especially appealing characterization developing countries: is accomplished concentrating resources in those goods whose production processes induce learning knowledge spillovers. Hence policy, influencing mix production, can rates. Despite its appeal, Lucas/Krugman/Stokey/Young (hereafter LKSY) view remains largely untested. To distinguish it convincingly from other theories relate requires information on product-specific market shares their evolution, as well technological sophistication productivity rates associated with each product. Comprehensive product-level data this kind are rarely available, they certainly missing relatively aggregated sets empirical focused upon. Nonetheless, exploiting plant-level panel data, may be possible get much closer testing LSKY than existing done. If particular products plants, if plant-specific engineer- technician-intensity these should reasonable basis for inference. This paper begins premise do. After reviewing theoretical models interest (section II), we devote considerable time rendering concept "learning industry" empirically meaningful III). We then use plant- industry-level Colombia Morocco characterize movement up continuum low-end (little potential) high-end IV). Finally, look evidence rapid gains accompany continuum.