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Teaching Economics

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Does technology hinder development?

Geoff Riley

23rd August 2019

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According to development economist Dani Rodrik, although new technologies allow developing countries possibly to by-pass old models of industrialisation, the main barrier is that in many countries, low-income countries are unable to take advantage of new technologies due to a lack of skills and capabilities. New technology makes low-skilled labour more substitutable for capital. The policy challenge is to invest effectively in human capital to improve capabilities so that new technology can be a blessing rather than a barrier to development.

Does technology hinder development?

This longer talk from Professor Ian Goldin at Oxford is also strongly recommended

Technology & Development (Ian Goldin, Oxford Martin School)
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Geoff Riley

Geoff Riley FRSA has been teaching Economics for nearly forty years. He has over twenty years experience as Head of Economics at leading schools. He writes extensively and is a contributor and presenter on CPD and Revision conferences in the UK and overseas.

@tutor2uGeoff

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