Trends in Growth Convergence and Divergence and Changes in Technological Access and Capabilities

This paper goes into detail in the pattern of growth over the last thirty to forty years at the world level. A model is developed in which different aspects of technological change and their influence on growth will be outlined. This model is used in estimations for cross-country OECD-samples of 1973-1996 growth paths, as well as in panel databases for yearly growth rates over the 1973-1996 period. In addition, an analytical technique is developed which identifies different empirical sources for specific convergence or divergence trends within the OECD area. Moreover, we show that traditional factors are only partially able to explain the recent divergence relative to the US. Hence, we introduce ‘new’ factors explaining this trend.