Skip to main content
Log in

On the existence of optimal processes in non-stationary environments

  • Articles
  • Published:
Journal of Economics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We consider an aggregative model of intertemporal allocation under uncertainty, in which the utility and production functions are allowed to be time dependent, the random shocks occurring in each period are entirely arbitrary, and the production functions are permitted to be non-concave. In this framework, we provide a theorem on the existence of infinite-horizon optimal processes. In the course of establishing this result, we obtain the existence of optimal policy functions and we show that they are monotone in the stock levels.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Berge, C. (1963):Topological Spaces. London: Oliver and Boyd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blackwell, D. (1965): “Discounted Dynamic Programming.”Annals of Mathematical Statistics 36: 226–235.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhattacharya, R., and Majumdar, M. (1981): “Stochastic Methods in Mathematical Economics: A Review.” InStatistics, Applications and New Directions, Proceedings of the Indian Statistical Institute Golden Jubilee International Conference, edited by J. K. Ghosh and J. Roy. Calcutta: Indian Statistical Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brock, W. A., and Gale, D. (1969): “Optimal Growth Under Factor Augmenting Progress.”Journal of Economic Theory 1: 229–243.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brock, W., and Mirman, L. (1972): “Optimal Growth Under Uncertainty.”Journal of Economic Theory 4: 479–513.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chichilnisky, G. (1981): “Existence of Optimal Savings Policies with Imperfect Information and Non-convexities.”Journal of Mathematical Economics 8: 1–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chung, K. (1974):A Course in Probability Theory. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dechert, W. D., and Nishimura, K. (1983): “A Complete Characterization of Optimal Growth Paths in an Aggregated Model with Non-concave Production Function.”Journal of Economic Theory 31: 332–354.

    Google Scholar 

  • Furukawa, N. (1972): “Discounted Dynamic Programming on Compact Metric Spaces.”Annals of Mathematical Statistics 43: 1612–1622.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gale, D. (1967): “On Optimal Development of a Multi-Sector Economy.”Review of Economic Studies 34: 1–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maitra, A. (1968): “Discounted Dynamic Programming in Compact Metric Spaces.”Sankhya, Ser. A, 30: 211–216.

    Google Scholar 

  • Majumdar, M. (1975): “Some Remarks on Optimal Growth with Intertemporally Dependent Preferences in the Neoclassical Model.”Review of Economic Studies 42: 147–153.

    Google Scholar 

  • Majumdar, M., Mitra, T., and Nyarko, Y. (1989): “Dynamic Optimization Under Uncertainty: Non-Convex Feasible Set.” InJoan Robinson and Modern Economic Theory, edited by G. Feiwel. New York: New York University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mirman, L., and Spulber, D. (Eds.) (1982):Essays in the Economics of Renewable Resources. Amsterdam: North-Holland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rockafellar, R. T. (1969): “Measurable Dependence of Convex Sets and Functions on Parameters.”Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications 28: 4–25.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

This paper has benefitted from the comments of two referees of the journal. Research of the first author was supported by a National Science Foundation Grant.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Mitra, T., Nyarko, Y. On the existence of optimal processes in non-stationary environments. Zeitschr. f. Nationalökonomie 53, 245–270 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01227624

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01227624

Keywords

Navigation