Author Abstract
We study the lags with which new technologies are adopted across countries and their long-run penetration rates once they are adopted. Using data from the last two centuries, we document two new facts: there has been convergence in adoption lags between rich and poor countries, while there has been divergence in penetration rates. Using a model of adoption and growth, we show that these changes in the pattern of technology diffusion account for 80% of the Great Income Divergence between rich and poor countries since 1820.
Paper Information
- Full Working Paper Text
- Working Paper Publication Date: May 2013
- HBS Working Paper Number: NBER 19010
- Faculty Unit(s): Business, Government and International Economy