The Catch-Up Effect Says That Countries with Low Income Can

question 61

Essay

The catch-up effect says that countries with low income can grow faster than countries with higher income. However, in statistical studies that include many diverse countries we do not observe the catch-up-effect unless we control for other variables that affect productivity. Considering the determinants of productivity, list and explain some things that would tend to prohibit or limit a poor country's ability to catch up with the rich ones.

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Definitions:

Times Interest Earned

A financial ratio that measures a company's ability to meet its debt obligations based on its operating income.

Income Before Tax

A company's earnings before any taxes are applied, reflecting the profitability of the business from its operations.

Interest Expense

The cost incurred by an entity for borrowed funds, typically stated as an annual rate.

Inventory Turnover

A financial ratio that measures the number of times inventory is sold or used over a given period, indicating the efficiency of inventory management.