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Banerjee, Abhijit V., and
Benjamin Moll. 2010. "Why Does Misallocation Persist?."
,
2(1): 189-206.
Show Article Details
DOI: 10.1257/mac.2.1.189
Abstract:Recent papers argue that the misallocation of resources can explain large cross-country TFP differences. This argument is underpinned by empirical evidence documenting substantial dispersion in the marginal products of resources, particularly capital, in developing
countries. But why does misallocation persists? That is, why don't distortions disappear on their own? This is particularly true for capital misallocation, a point we illustrate in a simple model of capital accumulation with credit constraints. We distinguish between misallocation on the intensive and the extensive margin, and show that the former should disappear asymptotically under general conditions, while the latter may persist. We conclude by discussing possible theories of persistent misallocation. (JEL D24, E22, G31, G32, L26)
Authors:
Banerjee, Abhijit V. (MIT)
Moll, Benjamin (U Chicago)
JEL Classifications:
D24: Production; Cost; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
E22: Capital; Investment; Capacity
G31: Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies
G32: Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure
L26: Entrepreneurship
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