

How Economic Complexity Explains Which Countries Become Rich
29 snips Aug 14, 2023
Join Ricardo Hausmann, a Harvard professor and economic complexity expert, as he delves into why some countries prosper while others struggle. He explains the concept of economic complexity and how a nation's economic growth can be predicted. Hausmann emphasizes the role of diversified exports and collective societal knowledge in driving development. He uses fascinating examples from countries like Bangladesh and Japan to illustrate how diversifying economies can lead to improved wealth. It's a deep dive into the intricate dance of economies and their evolution.
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Economic Complexity: Measuring Societal Know-How
- Economic complexity measures a society's know-how, similar to individual knowledge.
- It assesses how much knowledge a society collectively holds and utilizes.
The 'Why' Behind Income Generation
- Economic complexity explains why some countries generate more income, unlike GDP, which only measures the amount.
- It focuses on the division of knowledge within a society as the driver of growth.
Measuring Economic Complexity Through Exports
- A country's economic complexity is measured by the diversity and sophistication of its exports.
- The ubiquity of a product (how many countries produce it) indicates its complexity.