This paper deals with a classic development question: how can the process of economic development – transition from stagnation in a traditional technology to industrialization and prosperity with a modern technology – be accelerated? Lewis (1954) and Rostow (1956) argue that the pace of...

We develop a theory of labor quality based on (i) the division of the labor force between unskilled and skilled workers and (ii) investments in skilled workers. In our theory, countries differ in two key dimensions: talent and total factor productivity (TFP). We measure talent using the observed...

Presentation before the Conference on Striking the Right Notes on Entrepreneurship, Memphis, Tenn., April 19, 2005

Presentation to the St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association, Leadership Circle - July 15, 1998

Remarks before the National Association of Manufacturers, Board of Directors Meeting, Tucson, Ariz. - April 16, 1999>

Address before Bryant College, Providence, R.I., Oct. 14, 2003

Presentation to the Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Third Annual Rutman Lecture, Edwardsville, Ill., April 10, 2003

Presentation to the 2003 Washington Legislative Update Conference, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, Wash., D.C., May 19, 2003

Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 14, 2008