Intangibles, Inequality and Stagnation

Nobuhiro Kiyotaki and Shengxing Zhang
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Nobuhiro Kiyotaki: Princeton University
Shengxing Zhang: London School of Economics

Working Papers from Princeton University. Economics Department.

Abstract: We examine how aggregate output and income distribution interact with accumulation of intangible capital over time and across individuals. We consider an overlapping generations economy in which managerial skill (intangible capital) is essential for production, and it is acquired by young workers through on-the-job training by old managers. We show that, when young trainees are not committed to staying in the same firms and repaying their debt, a small difference in initial endowment and ability of young workers leads to a large inequality in accumulation of intangibles and lifetime income. A negative shock to endowment or the degree of commitment generates a persistent stagnation and a rise in inequality.

Keywords: Inequality; Income distribution; Economic models (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D63 O15 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018-06
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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