"Learning by Doing and the Choice of Technology."

71 Pages Posted: 24 Nov 2000 Last revised: 15 Dec 2022

See all articles by Boyan Jovanovic

Boyan Jovanovic

New York University - Department of Economics

Yaw Nyarko

New York University - Leonard N. Stern School of Business - Department of Economics

Date Written: May 1994

Abstract

This paper explores a one-agent Bayesian model of learning by doing and technological choice. To produce output, the agent can choose among various technologies. The beneficial effects of learning by doing are bounded on each technology, and so long-run growth in output can take place only if the agent repeatedly switches to better technologies. As the agent repeatedly uses a technology, he learns about its unknown parameters, and this accumulated expertise is a form of human capital. But when the agent switches technologies, part of this human capital is lost. It is this loss of human capital that may prevent the agent from moving up the quality ladder of technologies as quickly as he can, since the loss is greater the bigger is the technological leap. We analyze the global dynamics. We find that a human-capital- rich agent may find it optimal to avoid any switching of technologies, and therefore to experience no long-run growth. On the other hand, a human-capital-poor agent, who because of his lack of skill is not so attached to any particular technology, can find it optimal to switch technologies repeatedly, and therefore enjoy long-run growth in output. Thus the model can give rise to overtaking.

Suggested Citation

Jovanovic, Boyan and Nyarko, Yaw, "Learning by Doing and the Choice of Technology." (May 1994). NBER Working Paper No. w4739, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=250349

Boyan Jovanovic (Contact Author)

New York University - Department of Economics ( email )

19 w 4 st.
New York, NY 10012
United States

Yaw Nyarko

New York University - Leonard N. Stern School of Business - Department of Economics ( email )

269 Mercer Street
New York, NY 10003
United States
212-998-8928 (Phone)
212-995-4186 (Fax)

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