"Econ 102" with Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg cover image

"Econ 102" with Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg

How International Development Works

Feb 14, 2024
Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg debunk economic theories, discuss development strategies for poor countries, analyze personal savings rate and inflation numbers, compare inflation numbers, credit card debt, and rising wages, debate debt, money printing, and banking system fragility, and explore export-oriented manufacturing and international development.
51:10

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Export-oriented manufacturing is a successful strategy for developing countries, leading to increased income levels and poverty reduction.
  • Manufacturing continues to provide mass employment opportunities in developing countries, despite automation concerns.

Deep dives

Export-oriented manufacturing and its impact on developing countries

Export-oriented manufacturing has been a successful strategy for many developing countries, helping them increase their income levels and reduce poverty. Countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam have experienced significant growth in their manufacturing sectors, such as the garment industry, leading to a tripling of their per capita income. While some argue that manufacturing is becoming automated and may not provide mass employment in the future, it's important to distinguish between manufacturing as a source of production and output and manufacturing as a source of mass employment. Poor countries still have a comparative advantage in low-cost manufacturing, benefiting from cheaper wages, available land, and less burdensome environmental regulations. The presence of engineers in these factories is crucial, as they ensure the productivity and efficiency of the manufacturing process. Additionally, the export revenues generated from manufacturing industries provide a local multiplier effect, stimulating other service sectors and spreading economic benefits. It is essential for developing countries to continue prioritizing manufacturing to accelerate their economic growth and improve living standards, challenging the notion that they should solely focus on increasing productivity in their domestic service industries.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode