Develop basic historical knowledge about the process of productivity growth since the Middle Ages.
- Introduction to the standard neoclassical (Solow) growth model and some augmentations, and basic endogenous growth models.
- Applying empirical techniques to analyse the process of productivity growth.

While the business cycle is a short-run phenomenon, productivity growth is fundamentally a long-run phenomenon. Therefore, this course takes a long-run, comparative view on the relationship between economic growth, productivity and global economic leadership.
In week 1, we have a closer look at the phenomenon “productivity” and its measurement, and we briefly discuss the shifts in economic leadership during the past millennium. At this stage, our discussions are mostly verbal and empirical.
In week 2, we switch gear to a more theoretical approach, starting with an extensive discussion of the neoclassical growth model or Solow model. Since this model fails to provide convincing answers to some important questions, we augment it in week 3: and in this context we also discuss the so called convergence debate, mainly an empirical issue.
In week 4, we have a closer look at endogenous growth models. We continue this discussion in week 5, where we also address the growth issue at a deeper level of causality than normally expected in an economics course: this in fact brings us back to the historical analyses discussed in week 1.
In weeks 6 and 7, we will use our tools to get back to the issues discussed in week 1: why did modern economic growth only start so recently, and why in Europe? Additionally, we will use our tools to have a look at the "sustainability" debate.
While Jones constitutes the backbone of the course, we sometimes take time out to have a closer look at empirical studies by other authors, who invariably use either the Maddison dataset, or the Summers and Heston dataset. Additionally, we occasionally dig more deeply into specific theoretical models, and also address more verbal, historical analyses.

C.I. Jones D.Vollrath (2013), Introduction to economic growth, 3rd edition, W.W. Norton & Company or a more recent edition
Selected chapters from 5 additional books, and 5 original articles from scientific journals.

This course is in transition for the bachelor Fiscal Economics.
See the Bachelor Education and Examination Regulations for more information.

The following rule applies to bachelor Fiscal Economics students.
TRANSITIONAL REGULATION (EBC2013):
The bachelor Fiscal Economics has been discontinued.

There will be repeat education for year 1 and year 2 courses up to and including academic year 2025-2026 and exam-only up to and including academic year 2026-2027. For year 3 courses there will be repeat education up to and including 2026-2027 and exam-only up to and including academic year 2027-2028.

Whether a course is in transition, cancelled, or replaced may depend on the cohort you are in. Sometimes there are additional criteria. It is therefore very important to carefully read the EER and any addendum so you can apply the rules to your individual situation.


PREREQUISITES:
* Knowledge and understanding of introductory microeconomics and macroeconomic (comparable to courses Microeconomics, code EBC1010/1011/1012, and Macroeconomics, code EBC1018/1019/1020).
* Knowledge and understanding of mathematical and statistical techniques at an intermediate level, especially differential equations / dynamic systems and regression analysis (comparable to course Quantitative Methods III, code EBC2011).
* Exchange students need to major in economics.
* An advanced level of English.