DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING OF ECONOMIC GROWTH,

Abstract

A class of problems of optimal economic growth is formulated in terms of the functional equation approach of dynamic programming (Bellman, 1957). A study is made of the continuity and concavity properties of the state valuation function, i.e., the function indicating the maximum total discounted welfare (utility) that can be achieved starting from a given initial state of the economy. Under suitable conditions this function is characterized by a certain functional equation. Both the cases of a finite and an infinite planning horizon are treated, the latter case being discussed under the assumption of constant technology and tastes. Here iteration of a certain transformation associated with the functional equation is shown to provide convergence to the state valuation function. Exact solutions are given for the case of linear-logrithmic production and welfare functions. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1964
Accession Number
AD0439234

Entities

People

  • Roy Radner

Organizations

  • University of California, Berkeley

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computer Programming
  • Continuity
  • Convergence
  • Dynamic Programming
  • Equations
  • Iterations
  • Mathematics
  • Production

Readers

  • Economics
  • Operations Research