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The Innovation and Diffusion Podcast

S2 E6: Inventors/Engineers, Directed Technical Change, and the British Industrial Revolution with Walker Hanlon from Northwestern University

Mar 7, 2025
Walker Hanlon, an Associate Professor in Economics at Northwestern University, dives into the fascinating world of the British Industrial Revolution. He explores whether necessity is indeed the mother of invention and discusses theories on directed technical change. Hanlon highlights the crucial role of engineers in this transformative era and examines how increased government intervention emerged from market failures. The conversation also touches on pollution's impact during the revolution and concludes with a playful dinner game featuring iconic inventors.
38:30

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Directed technical change illustrates how shifts in input availability can drive innovation direction and affect economic growth.
  • The transition from manufacturer-inventors to specialized engineers during the British Industrial Revolution significantly enhanced productivity and technological advancement.

Deep dives

Walker Henlon's Journey into Economic History

Walker Henlon's path to becoming an expert in economic history wasn't direct, stemming initially from an interest in international trade during his graduate studies. His curiosity grew as he explored the significant effects that trade could have on economic growth, ultimately recognizing that historical perspectives might provide valuable insights into long-term growth trends. This realization propelled him toward empirical research within the realm of economic history, where he discovered the richness of data and context that could illustrate the connections between trade, growth, and innovation. Influenced by notable advisors like Don Davis, Walker learned to bridge historical events with economic theories, enhancing his understanding and appreciation for historical methodology.

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