Econ 701: Topics in Development Economics
Summer Semester 2024-2025
Department of Economics Sunil Kanwar
Delhi School of Economics
Problem Set 1
(1) Discuss briefly the strengths and weaknesses of alternative innovation systems such as
patents, prizes and government-funded research.
(2) Briefly summarize and discuss Ivus’ evidence on the influence of stronger intellectual
property rights on high-technology exports to developing countries.
(3) Present and evaluate Javorcik’s evidence on the effect of stronger intellectual property
rights on the composition of FDI in the transition economies.
(4) Discuss some of the negative effects of (strong) intellectual property rights.
(5) Explain Chichilnisky’s transfer paradox.
(6) Explain the concept of ‘debt forgiveness’ in the context of international debt.
(7) Using a simple model, briefly explain the pros and cons of debt buyback by a heavily-
indebted country.
(8) In the context of international debt, explain the concept of loan pushing.
(9) Discuss the empirical evidence presented by Schclarek, pertaining to the relationship
between external debt and economic growth in developing countries.
(10) Present and discuss Ozler and Tabellini’s empirical evidence relating sovereign debt to
political instability in developing countries.
