EconTalk

Paul Romer on Growth, Cities, and the State of Economics

Apr 22, 2019
Paul Romer, a Nobel Laureate and influential economist from New York University, shares his insights on economic growth and the significance of cities. He emphasizes the power of collaboration and diverse communities in fostering innovation. Romer advocates for charter cities as a means to enhance trust and social norms, while critiquing traditional macroeconomic theories for their disconnect from real-world data. Reflecting on his World Bank experience, he raises concerns about transparency and the institution's global impact, particularly in developing nations.
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INSIGHT

Extended Preferences

  • Incorporating social interaction into utility functions could enhance economic models.
  • This 'extended preferences' approach might improve our grasp of well-being.
ANECDOTE

Jaywalking in NYC

  • Paul Romer initially felt an urge to scold jaywalkers in New York City, coming from California.
  • After six weeks, this urge disappeared as his preferences adapted to the city's norms.
INSIGHT

The Urge to Belong

  • Economics often overlooks the human need to belong and its influence on behavior.
  • Focusing on measurable factors like 'stuff' can lead to neglecting important aspects of the human experience.
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