Increasing Returns and Transport Costs

2002 ◽  
pp. 93-132
Keyword(s):  
Increasing Returns ◽  
Transport Costs

scholarly journals Optimal Transport Networks in Spatial Equilibrium

Econometrica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 1411-1452
Author(s):  
Pablo D. Fajgelbaum ◽  
Edouard Schaal
Keyword(s):  
General Equilibrium ◽  
Optimal Transport ◽  
Transport Network ◽  
Increasing Returns ◽  
Spatial Equilibrium ◽  
Transport Costs ◽  
Transport Networks ◽  
The Road ◽  
Trade Model ◽  
Optimal Investments

We study optimal transport networks in spatial equilibrium. We develop a framework consisting of a neoclassical trade model with labor mobility in which locations are arranged on a graph. Goods must be shipped through linked locations, and transport costs depend on congestion and on the infrastructure in each link, giving rise to an optimal transport problem in general equilibrium. The optimal transport network is the solution to a social planner's problem of building infrastructure in each link. We provide conditions such that this problem is globally convex, guaranteeing its numerical tractability. We also study cases with increasing returns to transport technologies in which global convexity fails. We apply the framework to assess optimal investments and inefficiencies in the road networks of European countries.

Structuralism as a Pamphlet (On the Book by E. Reinert “How Rich CountriesGot Rich... And Why Poor Countries Stay Poor”. 2nd ed.)

2014 ◽  
pp. 147-153
Author(s):  
P. Orekhovsky
Keyword(s):  
Economic Theory ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Structural Analysis ◽  
Increasing Returns ◽  
The Other ◽  
Static Theory ◽  
Poor Countries ◽  
Historical School ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
The Relationship

The review outlines the connection between E. Reinert’s book and the tradition of structural analysis. The latter allows for the heterogeneity of industries and sectors of the economy, as well as for the effects of increasing and decreasing returns. Unlike the static theory of international trade inherited from the Ricardian analysis of comparative advantage, this approach helps identify the relationship between trade, production, income and population growth. Reinert rehabilitates the “other canon” of economic theory associated with the mercantilist tradition, F. Liszt and the German historical school, as well as a reconside ration of A. Marshall’s analysis of increasing returns. Empirical illustrations given in the book reveal clear parallels with the path of Russian socio-economic development in the last twenty years.

Intra-industry and inter-industry trade through the lens of comparative and absolute advantage

2016 ◽  
pp. 112-128
Author(s):  
A. Gnidchenko
Keyword(s):  
International Trade ◽  
Product Quality ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Increasing Returns ◽  
Traditional View ◽  
Export Diversification ◽  
Industry Trade ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Absolute Advantage

The article surveys the literature that emphasizes the importance of comparative and absolute advantages for intra- and inter-industry trade. Two conclusions follow form the survey. First, unlike the traditional view, intra-industry trade is determined rather by technology than by increasing returns. Second, absolute advantages that have been ignored in international trade models for a long time play a vital role through their linkages with product quality and export diversification. We also discuss a new strand of literature that models international trade with the assumption of non-homothetic preferences.

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