Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

North-South interdependence: An economic-physical interpretation

  • Published:
De Economist Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The article gives a physical-economic interpretation to a number of economic North-South interdependent relations. Basic research evidence at the man-machine level was an inspiration; the output could only be expressed in physical specification terms. The corresponding generalizations are in product complexity, speciality terms also. This terminology is conducive to far-ranging extrapolations and generalizations. It eliminates the problem of pricing at the product level for all aggregation levels; therefore the fundamental economic relations are better expressed. The article concludes with a mega extrapolation in graphical terms, which relates the product and implied technological capability in the world, expressed in physical terms, for country groups ordered by three development levels. Correspondingly the comparative advantage and inter-industry trade areas at the world product level are shown.

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

Access this article

Log in via an institution

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

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Boon, G.K., ‘Technical Choice in Metal Working, with special reference to Mexico,’ in: Bhalla, A.S. (ed.), Technology and Employment in Industry, International Labour Office, Geneva, 1975.

    Google Scholar 

  • —Technology and Employment in Footwear Manufacturing, The Hague, 1980. Also by the same author:Technology Transfer in Fibres, Textile and Apparel, The Hague, 1981.

  • —The Diffusion of New Techniques, Technology Scientific Foundation, 84-3.

  • —Information Technology and Industry: an Assessment in a North-South Perspective, Technology Scientific Foundation, 1986-1, pending publication.

  • Duijn, J.J. van,The Long Wave in Economic Life, London, 1983.

  • Freeman, Ch.,Innovation and Long Cycles of Economic Development, Lecture, The Hague, 1983.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krugman, P., ‘A Model of Innovation, Technology Transfer and the World Distribution of Income,’Journal of Political Economy, 87 (1979) pp. 253–266.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lancaster, K.J., ’A New Approach to Consumer Theory,’Journal of Political Economy, 1966, pp. 132–157.

  • Stewart, F., ’Manufacture of Cement Blocks in Kenya,’ 1975, published in the volume given in the first reference.

  • Stewart, F.,Technology and Underdevelopment, London, 1978.

  • Vernon, R., ‘International Investment and International Trade in the Product Cycle,’Quarterly Journal of Economics, 80 (1966), pp. 190–207.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Technology Scientific Foundation, Noordwijk ZH, The Netherlands

    Gerard K. boon

Authors
  1. Gerard K. boon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

The author acknowledges valid comments of two anonymous referees and financial support by DGIS to the Technology Scientific Foundation for the research of which this paper reports certain aspects only. This paper came out as a working paper TSF 84-1. An earlier version was presented at the International Economic Association Meeting in Madrid, Sept. 1983. Clearly, only the author bears responsibility for the ideas and interpretations presented in the following text.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

boon, G.K. North-South interdependence: An economic-physical interpretation. De Economist 135, 66–93 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01856704

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01856704

Keywords

Search

Navigation