Topic 1: Factors Affecting Economic Growth

There are several economic and noneconomic factors that affect long-run economic growth of countries. Among these factors, the roles of physical capital, human capital, technology, and natural resources in influencing long-run economic growth of aggregate output per capita are widely discussed. Governments also play their roles in promoting and sustaining long-run economic growth of countries.

Based on knowledge and experience, analyze the following questions.

• What factors might contribute to low or high growth rates in a country? How can sustainable long-run economic growth rate be realized? What are the roles of the government in achieving sustainable long-run economic growth?
• Why are resources no longer the most important indicators of economic growth disparity among countries? Which other economic and noneconomic factors do you think explain the reasons behind growth disparities among countries?
• What is the relationship between economic growth rate and unemployment rate?