Class Economic Growth Models

The Economic Growth Models course aims to provide students with an integrated understanding of the main theories and models explaining long-term economic growth, linking their theoretical foundations to empirical evidence. The course covers exogenous and endogenous growth models, analyzing the roles of productivity, human capital, innovation, technological progress, and institutions as determinants of economic growth and development. The applied component fosters the use of macroeconomic databases, scientific literature, and empirical methods to analyze factors influencing economic growth and to critically evaluate public policies. The course strengthens the analytical, quantitative, and research skills essential to training in Economics.

Not applicable

1. Foundations of Economic Growth Economic growth and economic development; Stylized facts of growth; Productivity, technological progress, and convergence. 2. Exogenous Growth Models Solow model; Technological progress; Human capital; Absolute and conditional convergence. 3. Endogenous Growth Models AK model; Human capital; Research and Development (R&D); Knowledge diffusion and innovation. 4. Determinants of Economic Growth Institutions and quality of governance; Financial system and growth; Inequality and economic growth; International trade and economic integration. 5. Applied Economic Growth International data sources; Empirical evidence on economic growth; Introduction to econometric growth models; Critical assessment of growth and development policies.

The course employs active, student-centered methodologies, combining interactive lectures with problem-based learning, exercises, the analysis of scientific articles, and discussions on empirical evidence regarding economic growth. Theory-and-practice sessions foster the formulation, application, and comparison of key growth models, linking theory with empirical evidence. Students utilize macroeconomic databases and econometric software to analyze the determinants of economic growth and interpret empirical results. Approaches such as the flipped classroom, collaborative work, and critical discussion of the scientific literature encourage autonomy, critical thinking, research skills, and the application of knowledge to the analysis of public policy and economic development challenges.

AFONSO, O., VASCONCELOS, P. B., NEVES, P. C., & SEQUEIRA, T. N. (2019). Crescimento Económico: Uma Abordagem Moderna e Novas Tendências. Almedina. BARRO, R. J., & SALA-I-MARTIN, X. (2004). Economic Growth (2nd ed.). MIT Press. JONES, C. I., & VOLLRATH, D. (2013). Introduction to Economic Growth (3rd ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.