Chuan-Zhong Li () and Karl-Gustaf Löfgren ()
Additional contact information
Chuan-Zhong Li: Department of Economics, Postal: Uppsala University, S 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
Karl-Gustaf Löfgren: Department of Economics, Umeå University, Postal: S 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
Abstract: This paper is concerned with the modern theory of social cost-bene.t analysis in
a dynamic economy. The theory emphasizes the role of a comprehensive, forward-
looking, dynamic welfare index within the period of the project rather than that
of a project.s long-term consequences. However, what constitutes such a welfare
index remains controversial in the recent literature. In this paper, we attempt to
shed light on the issue by deriving three equivalent cost-bene.t rules for evaluating a
small project. In particular, we show that the direct change in net national product
(NNP) quali.es as a convenient welfare index without involving any other induced
side e¤ects. The project evaluation criterion thus becomes the present discounted
value of the direct changes in NNP over the project period. We also illustrate the
application of this theory in a few stylized examples.
Keywords: dynamic cost-bene.t analysis; net national product; project evaluation; welfare index
JEL-codes: D61
19 pages, First version: September 15, 2003. Revised: December 4, 2006.
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