Séminaire

Urbanisation and the onset of modern economic growth

Cecilia Garcia-Penalosa (CNRS;EHESS)

18 septembre 2020, 11h30–12h30

Toulouse

Salle Zoom meeting

Résumé

We present a theory of the onset of modern economic growth inspired by recent developments in economic geography and economic history. The traditional view argues that technological change and industrialization prompted urbanisation. We maintain that urbanisation can itself increase the stock of knowledge and thus growth, creating a feedback mechanism that leads to sustained prosperity. Urbanisation rates in Western Europe – particularly England – reached unprecedented levels by the mid-18th century, and they are likely to have been a factor contributing to productivity growth during the Industrial Revolution.

Référence

Cecilia Garcia-Penalosa (CNRS;EHESS), « Urbanisation and the onset of modern economic growth », IAST General Seminar, Toulouse : IAST, 18 septembre 2020, 11h30–12h30, salle Zoom meeting.