The hottest Economic Growth Substack posts right now

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Frequently Asked Questions About US Government Funding for R&D

New Things Under the Sun • 96 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding Research & Development Economic Growth Public Policy Innovation
  1. The US government spent about $160 billion on research and development (R&D) in 2022, but this is a declining share of overall GDP. In contrast, the private sector spends significantly more on R&D.
  2. Averaging across sectors, every dollar spent on R&D can generate about $5.50 in economic growth, with some estimates suggesting even higher benefits when considering broader impacts.
  3. Government funding is important because it explores research areas that might be overlooked by private companies, ensuring that valuable scientific knowledge is developed for public benefit.

Progressive pronatalism: A Quick Q&A with … philosopher Victor Kumar

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Growth Immigration
  1. Population decline is a serious issue that affects everyone, including those on the left. It can worsen problems like inequality and burden vulnerable groups more, so it's vital for progressives to care about it too.
  2. Pronatalism, or encouraging higher birth rates, doesn't have to clash with climate goals. We can grow the population while also focusing on clean energy and reducing emissions.
  3. Learning what other countries have done to promote population growth can help. A mix of policies like financial support for families and affordable childcare can be more effective than one-size-fits-all solutions.

How China Is Like the 19th Century U.S.

Construction Physics • 38624 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💾 History Economic Growth Urbanization Manufacturing Cultural Change Social Dynamics
  1. Both China and the U.S. experienced rapid economic growth during their respective Gilded Ages. This growth transformed them into major manufacturing powers with urbanization and infrastructure development.
  2. As both countries industrialized, they saw a significant shift from farming to manufacturing jobs. This change created vast new opportunities for individuals and fostered a culture of ambition and entrepreneurship.
  3. In both nations, a wave of corruption and scams emerged alongside economic growth, leading to significant social and legal reforms aimed at improving conditions and regulating businesses.

Birth-rate worriers should care about housing deregulation

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Economic Growth Regulatory issues Public Policy
  1. Housing regulations make it hard to build new homes, which can affect birth rates. If it's easier to build, families may feel more comfortable having more children.
  2. Economic growth is slowed down by strict housing rules. Reforming these rules in certain cities could boost the economy and increase workers' earnings.
  3. Different groups see housing issues in various ways. It's important to find common ground to make big changes in housing policy.

🌅 A (new) American Golden Age

Faster, Please! • 2193 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy decisions Economic Growth Technological Innovation Energy Policy
  1. The United States is experiencing a surge in technology investments, especially in artificial intelligence, which could greatly boost the economy and productivity.
  2. America has unique advantages, like strong financial markets and innovative companies, positioning it well to lead a new technological era that can tackle big challenges.
  3. Achieving a successful future relies on making smart policy choices around energy, regulation, and immigration to harness the potential of new technologies.
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On Dwarkesh Patel's 4th Podcast With Tyler Cowen

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1836 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Economic Growth Interviews Technology Trends
  1. AI's impact on economic growth might be slower than some expect. Tyler Cowen believes AI will only add about 0.5% to the annual growth, which many perceive as low.
  2. Costs in certain sectors may rise due to AI's integration in others. This phenomenon, known as cost disease, could slow down overall productivity gains.
  3. The quality of people and institutions matters more than just having more people. Simply increasing numbers won't guarantee innovation or growth.

Chartbook 346: Against overcorrection. Yellen's Treasury defends the legacy of Democratic fiscal policy.

Chartbook • 815 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fiscal policy Elections Partisanship Economic Growth Inflation
  1. When a political party loses, there’s a temptation to rethink past policies. Critics may blame inflation on spending decisions, but the Democrats didn't do as poorly as expected in recent elections.
  2. Inflation feels different depending on your political views. Partisanship affects how people perceive the economy, making it hard to pin down economic sentiment just to inflation rates.
  3. Despite losing to Trump, the Democratic fiscal policies in recent years were effective. Inflation rates have fallen and job numbers have remained strong, suggesting that bold policy decisions can be successful.

Will China squander its moment in the sun?

Noahpinion • 21647 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics China Government Control Economic Growth Innovation Cultural influence
  1. China is at the peak of its relative power and effectiveness, with impressive economic and scientific achievements surpassing other major world powers at this moment.
  2. There are concerns about a slowdown in China's growth due to economic challenges and lack of focus on what the people truly want, resulting in a potential squandering of the nation's potential.
  3. China's system seems to inhibit breakthrough innovation, limit artistic and cultural influence internationally, and restrict freedom and autonomy of its people, perhaps hindering the nation's overall greatness.

What Makes a Good Product-Market Fit?🎯, Global Markets Snapshot📊, GDP Growth Projections📈

The VC Corner • 419 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Market Trends Economic Growth Product Development
  1. A good product-market fit means the product meets the needs of its target audience. This ensures customers find value and want to buy it.
  2. Global market snapshots help investors understand economic trends and make informed decisions. Keeping an eye on these trends can lead to better investment choices.
  3. GDP growth projections are important indicators of a country's economic health. They can show how well an economy is doing and influence business strategies.

Here...comes...INDIA!!!

Noahpinion • 37588 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Global Influence Geopolitics Cultural Exchange Economic Growth Internet
  1. India has surpassed China as the world's most populous country, marking its arrival on the global stage.
  2. India's economic growth has been remarkable, lifting many out of poverty and positioning the country as a significant player on the world economic stage.
  3. India's influence is expanding due to factors like internet access, cultural exchanges, and economic opportunities, shaping a more interconnected global community.

Higher bank capital requirements work

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 20 Feb 25
💰 Finance Banking Regulations Capital Economic Growth Risk management
  1. Banks now have to keep more money in reserve, which helps prevent risky behavior and protects the economy. This rule came after the 2008 financial crisis.
  2. Even though higher capital requirements may lower banks' profits, they do not slow down overall economic growth. The economy remains stable without large drops in growth.
  3. Overall, increased capital requirements reduce the chances of serious economic downturns, which is a big win for financial stability. It seems like this regulation is working well.

Housing reform should actually add housing

Slow Boring • 5699 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Affordable Housing Regulatory Policy State Legislation Economic Growth
  1. Housing reform proposals should focus on actually increasing housing supply rather than just affordable units.
  2. Affordable housing regulations limit the creation of new housing and may not always be the best solution for addressing housing shortages.
  3. When proposing housing reforms, it's important to ensure that the policies align with the goal of increasing housing supply and economic growth.

Do poor countries need a new development strategy?

Noahpinion • 10647 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Development Industrialization Economic Growth Globalization International relations
  1. The debate over development strategies for poor countries is evolving, with a shift towards focusing on green energy and non-traded services rather than traditional manufacturing and exports.
  2. Authors like Dani Rodrik and Joseph Stiglitz argue that poorer countries may face challenges in industrialization due to factors like reduced global demand for manufactured goods and increased automation.
  3. Successful growth stories of countries like Bangladesh challenge the notion that industrialization is no longer a viable development strategy for poor nations, emphasizing the importance of traditional methods for economic progress.

The Fear Over Tariffs

Spilled Coffee • 60 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💰 Finance Trade policy Tariffs Inflation Market Impact Economic Growth
  1. Tariffs can cause prices to rise for consumers, leading to inflation. This means things might get more expensive for everyone.
  2. The ongoing tariffs can create uncertainty in the stock market and economy. Businesses are worried about how these changes could impact their profits.
  3. Monitoring tariffs is important for investors and business owners. They need to stay updated because tariffs affect many products and can cause market fluctuations.

All Roads Lead to Inflation

Points And Figures • 746 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💰 Finance Inflation Investing Monetary Policy Economic Growth Debt Management
  1. Inflation seems unavoidable and is likely to continue affecting the economy. It doesn't really matter who is in charge politically; the pressure on the markets suggests we're stuck with it.
  2. To manage during inflationary times, investing in commodities and hard assets like real estate may be smart. These investments can help preserve value even when the dollar weakens.
  3. The shift to private markets and sectors like technology and agriculture can offer chances to earn better returns that beat inflation. However, navigating these markets requires skill and good management.

😨 How the Crisis Decade set the stage for an Up Wing 21st Century

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Economic Growth Technological progress Historical Analysis Future outlook
  1. The 2010s were tough due to a financial crisis and slow recovery, but they set the stage for future progress. People were worried about jobs and the economy, but good changes were coming.
  2. Despite the problems of the Crisis Decade, new technologies and ideas are emerging that can improve our future, like advancements in AI and space exploration. These are exciting challenges for policymakers to tackle.
  3. Many people felt hopeless during the 2010s, but this period showed that sometimes, after tough times, we can find a path to growth and opportunity. It's important to remember that there can be light after darkness.

Highlights From The Comments On Capitalism & Charity

Astral Codex Ten • 6744 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
💼 Business Charity Capitalism Development Economic Growth
  1. Some comments argue for reiterating the importance of a specific context when considering spending money for charity or capitalism.
  2. There are discussions on the effectiveness of investing in companies with social missions, such as providing microfinance or supporting profitable charitable ventures.
  3. Consideration is given to the balance between supporting capitalism and charitable causes in the context of economic impact and sustainability.

Two Mexicos

Diane Francis • 1218 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade Relations Crime Policy Economic Growth Drug policy International relations
  1. Mexico's economy is booming, making it the top trading partner for the U.S. since it offers tariff-free exports, especially in manufacturing. This growth is significant, but it also hides the country's ongoing struggles with crime and drug cartels.
  2. The drug trade contributes greatly to violence in Mexico, with over 30,000 murders recorded in a single year. This results in a stark contrast between a thriving economy and a dangerous underworld, leading to chaos in many regions.
  3. The U.S. has a role in Mexico's challenges due to its demand for drugs and porous borders. Solutions like sealing the border and addressing addiction more effectively may be necessary to help both countries combat these issues.

Social Theory for the Mid-21st Century: Part II. From -73000 to 2055: Malthusian Poverty to Modern Economic Growth

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 269 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Social theory Economic Growth Technological Change Historical Analysis
  1. Throughout history, technological growth has drastically changed, particularly in the last 150 years. This period saw growth that's far beyond anything in earlier times.
  2. Today's society is much better off than before, with greater access to resources and technology. Most people have standards of living that are far superior compared to the past.
  3. Understanding our economic growth is complex. It's important to measure not just resources, but also how people work together and use ideas to improve life.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #20

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Nuclear Energy Economic Growth Populism Technology Policy
  1. Free trade is good for the economy because it helps increase productivity and wages. Even if it disrupts some jobs, the overall benefits are greater.
  2. Tech companies are starting to embrace nuclear energy to power their data centers. This move aims to cut carbon emissions and manage rising energy demands.
  3. Despite economic challenges, the American system has shown resilience. The economy has adapted and grown stronger after tough times like the financial crises.

America's Housing Rebound

The Overshoot • 1316 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
💼 Business Housing Real Estate Construction Mortgage Rates Economic Growth
  1. Despite high mortgage rates, construction and renovation spending in the US housing market have been holding steady or accelerating.
  2. Housing sales and construction are greatly impacted by changes in monetary policy and credit availability.
  3. The rebound in house prices and construction reflects the broader growth and asset price acceleration in the US economy post-pandemic.

Reading the Tea Leaves

The Last Bear Standing • 49 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
💰 Finance Market Trends Economic Growth Investment Strategies Sentiment Analysis Financial history
  1. Market sentiment is influenced by human emotions and can swing widely, affecting prices up and down. This means that even if things look strong, feelings can drive prices lower.
  2. Historically, the market goes through cycles of growth and decline, shaped by economic changes and human behavior. We can learn from the past to understand current trends.
  3. While recent years saw some major challenges, like inflation and market drops, the economy proved resilient. New investments helped start a fresh period of growth and optimism.

How high-speed rail won over the world

Urben Field Notes • 124 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Infrastructure Public Policy Economic Growth Environmental Impact
  1. Many countries around the world are expanding their high-speed rail systems, while the US is falling behind. It's surprising that America doesn't have more fast trains since the technology has been around for a long time.
  2. High-speed rail is benefitting countries with increased passenger numbers and better environmental impact. Rail travel produces far less carbon pollution compared to cars and planes, making it a cleaner option.
  3. To develop high-speed rail in the US, there may be a need to collaborate with countries that have experience in building these systems. Learning from others could help the US catch up in this area.

0 To $100 Million In 9 Months 🚀, AI for social good🌍, Governments are the biggest source of VC funds🏛️

The VC Corner • 359 implied HN points • 19 May 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups AI Funding Economic Growth
  1. A company can grow from nothing to $100 million quickly, showing how fast business can change these days.
  2. Using AI can be very beneficial, especially when it is aimed at making the world a better place.
  3. Governments are providing a lot of money for startups, more than traditional venture capitalists.

Japan’s Technological Prowess Should Enable 2.3% Per Capita Growth, Part I

Japan Economy Watch • 299 implied HN points • 13 May 24
💼 Business Technology Economic Growth Innovation Competitiveness Research & Development
  1. Japan's technological prowess could potentially lead to 2.3% per capita growth, doubling the current rate.
  2. The challenge Japan faces is converting technological strength into economic value due to rigid financial and labor systems.
  3. While Japan excels in complexity of technology use, it lags in adapting new technologies and faces challenges in sustaining growth as demand shifts.

We Should All Be Twice as Rich: All of Us, Every Single One

Welcome to Absurdistan • 904 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics BRICS Climate change Economic Growth Marxism
  1. BRICS countries are setting an alternative to the U.S. dollar for world trade
  2. The de-growth agenda promoted by the West is rejected by countries like BRICS who prioritize growth and using resources for their people
  3. Environmental movements pushing for de-growth promote chaos, misery, and crime, leading to societal decline

🌎⏩ How fast can the global economy grow?

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
💼 Business Economic Growth Artificial Intelligence Global Economy Science fiction
  1. The concept of the Singularity involves rapid technological advancements leading to an unimaginable surge in economic growth.
  2. The idea of exponential economic growth can be challenging to comprehend, similar to how residents of a two-dimensional world might struggle to imagine a three-dimensional object.
  3. Exploring historical precedents can offer insights into more feasible scenarios for economic growth.

Low-Income Countries are Falling Behind

Apricitas Economics • 57 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Global Economy Geopolitics Economic Growth
  1. Low-income countries are struggling economically and the progress made against extreme poverty is at risk. This means more people are falling back into poverty.
  2. There is a significant gap in economic output between low-income countries and wealthy nations like the U.S. This results in poor access to necessities like food and healthcare.
  3. Recent global events, including COVID-19 and inflation, have worsened conditions for low-income countries. Many are now growing slower than richer nations, which is not a good sign for future economic growth.

The Investment Case for Chinese Stocks

Modern Value Investing • 353 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
💰 Finance Investing Stocks Economic Growth
  1. Chinese stocks have underperformed global peers, but a potential reversal could be imminent due to recent policy changes and low valuations.
  2. The Chinese government has taken measures to support the stock market, including a significant rescue package and regulatory changes, indicating a shift in approach.
  3. Factors like global underweighting of Chinese stocks, a recovering Chinese economy, and potential monetary policy adjustments suggest a positive outlook for investing in Chinese stocks.

How SP culture produces financial crisis

America in Crisis • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
💰 Finance Financial Crisis Economic Growth Corporate Profits Capitalism Taxation
  1. Financial crisis can stem from a shift in profit usage from investment to financial market growth, impacting economic growth.
  2. SP culture, focusing on shareholder returns through stock buybacks and dividends, can lead to financial instability and economic downturns.
  3. Minsky's financial instability hypothesis outlines how capitalist economies can transition from safe to risky financial structures, culminating in financial crises.

Something Is Getting Harder But It's Not Finding Ideas

Maximum Progress • 569 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🔬 Science Research Economic Growth Technology Data Analysis Innovation
  1. Research investments are growing but economic growth remains constant, implying declining returns on research investment over time.
  2. The metaphor of a car's acceleration and fuel use helps explain the idea that as we discover more ideas, finding new ones becomes harder.
  3. The debate on whether ideas are getting harder to find is important, but more evidence is needed to draw a definitive conclusion.

Addressing Global Divides on a Crackling Globe of Deepening Faults

The Planet • 314 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Risks Economic Growth Climate Crisis
  1. Global wealth inequality is increasing, with the ultra-rich getting richer while more than half of the world's population is becoming poorer.
  2. There is a need for effective and fair governments to address global issues like poverty, climate change, and inequality.
  3. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires a shift towards sustainable practices, reducing inequalities, and decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation.

Does Rice-Cultivation promote Gender Equality?

The Great Gender Divergence • 294 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Gender Equality Agriculture Labour Social Issues Economic Growth
  1. Rice cultivation can encourage female labor force participation and close-knit interdependence.
  2. Farm work in rice cultivation may normalize women's work but not change societal views on gender roles.
  3. High demand for agricultural labor doesn't always lead to improved gender equality, as it may keep women in abusive marriages.

Philosophical economics: The golden calf of business and finance

Klement on Investing • 5 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
💰 Finance Tax policy Economic Growth Fiscal policy Investment Strategies Corporate Finance
  1. Cutting taxes isn't always the best option for improving the economy. Sometimes, raising taxes can actually help fund important things like infrastructure and education.
  2. There's a lot of disagreement about whether low taxes lead to higher profits and growth. In reality, many developed countries show no clear link between tax rates and economic growth.
  3. It's important to consider how tax money is spent. If governments invest in useful projects, they can create more value than just cutting taxes.