Research Details

Abstract

We provide an answer to why growth may slow even in the face of technological improvements. Our focus is on the role of intangible assets. Intangible assets are distinct from physical capital in that they are comprised by information that requires a storage medium. A reduction in replication costs for intangible assets enables them to be less rivalrous in use, stimulating growth. However, we show how limits to excludability create a countervailing force. Depending on the strength of property-rights institutions, growth may slow even as technology lowers replication costs for intangibles, enhances their non-rivalry, and creates economies of scale and scope.

Type

Working Paper

Author(s)

Janice C. Eberly, Nicolas Crouzet, Andrea Eisfeldt, Dimitris Papanikolaou

Date Published

2023

Citations

Eberly, Janice C., Nicolas Crouzet, Andrea Eisfeldt, and Dimitris Papanikolaou. 2023. Intangible Capital, Non-rivalry, and Growth.