Comparing the Harrod-Domar, Solow and Ramsey growth models and their implications for economic policies

Abstract

Purpose – The principal aim of this paper is to review three basic theoretical growth models, namely the Harrod-Domar model, the Solow model and the Ramsey model, and examine their implications for economic policies. Design/methodology/approach – The paper utilizes a positivist research framework that emphasizes the causal relationships between the variables in each of the three models. Mathematical methods are employed to formulate and examine the three models under study. Since the paper is theoretical, it does not use any empirical data although numerical illustrations are provided whenever they are appropriate. Findings – The Harrod-Domar model explains why countries with high rates of saving may also enjoy high rate of economic growth. Both the Solow and Ramsey models can be used to explain the medium-income trap. The paper examines the impact of Covid shocks on the macroeconomy. While the growth rate can be recovered, it may not always possible to recover the output level. Research limitations/implications – For the Harrod-Domar model, the public spending decreases the private consumption at the period 1, but there is no change in the capital stock and hence the production in subsequent periods. For the Ramsey model with AK production function, both the private consumption and the outputs will be lowered. In both the Harrod-Domar and Ramsey models with Cobb-Douglas production function, if the debt is not high and the interest rate is sufficiently low, it is better to use public debt for production rather than for consumption. If the country borrows to recover the Total Factor Productivity after the Covid pandemic, both the Harrod-Domar and Ramsey models with Cobb-Douglas production function show that the rate of growth is higher for the year just after the pandemic but is the same as before the pandemic. Practical implications – The economy can recover the growth rate after a Covid shock, but the recovery process will generally take many periods. Social implications – This paper focuses on economic implications and does not aim to examine social implications of policy changes or Covid-type shock. Originality/value – The paper provides a comparison of three basic growth models with respect to public spending, public debts and repayments and Covid-type shocks.

Keywords

• Economic policies
• Harrod-Domar model
• Ramsey model
• Solow model