Inside the black box: Technological interdependence in the American economy

摘要: One of the things which all knowledgeable people supposedly "know" is that technological change has been critical variable in accounting for spectacular long-term growth American economy and our resulting present affluence. And yet, when scholars a quantitative turn mind have attempted to link story growing productivity some better-known facts landmarks history, turned out be remarkably difficult one tell. There are many reasons why this exercise. It is, thing, an extremely complicated methodological matter separate contribution from other changes human behavior, motivation, social organization. Although generally realized, there less awareness new technology also linked other, obvious forces, I will shortly return. Moreover, public image decisively shaped by popular writers who mesmerized dramatic small number major inventions-steam engines, cotton gins, railroads, automobiles, penicillin, radios, computers, etc. In addition, telling story, overwhelming emphasis placed on specific sequence events leading up decisive actions single individual. Indeed, not only patent law but history textbooks even language conspire insuring name date attached each invention.