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ResearchPaper
2017
Longevity-induced vertical innovation and the tradeoff between life and growth
Longevity-induced vertical innovation and the tradeoff between life and growth
Abstract (English)
We analyze the economic growth effects of rising longevity in a framework of endogenous growth driven by quality-improving innovations. We show that a rise in longevity raises savings and thereby reduces the market interest rate. Since the monopoly profits generated by a successful innovation are discounted by the endogenous market interest rate, this raises the net present value of innovations, which, in turn, fosters R&D. The associated increase in the employment of scientists leads to faster technological progress and a higher long-run economic growth rate. From a welfare perspective, we show that the direct effect of an increase in life expectancy on lifetime utility is much larger than the indirect effect of the induced higher consumption due to faster economic growth. Consequently, the debate on rising health care expenditures should not predominantly be based on the growth effects of health care.
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Hohenheim discussion papers in business, economics and social sciences; 2017,31
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Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences
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Institute of Economics
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English
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330 Economics