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Economic Freedom, Entrepreneurship, & Prosperity. Russell S. Sobel, Ph.D. What Explains Prosperity?. Is it Resources? Location? Democracy? Or ……. Adam Smith’s Question: Why Are Some Countries Rich and Others Poor?. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776).
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Economic Freedom, Entrepreneurship, & Prosperity Russell S. Sobel, Ph.D.
What Explains Prosperity? Is it Resources? Location? Democracy? Or ……
Adam Smith’s Question:Why Are Some Countries Rich and Others Poor? An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776) • Policies and the system of economic organization (e.g., capitalism) matter more than things such as resources, geography, education, democracy, etc.
Economic Freedom Economic Freedom means that people are free to trade with others, compete in markets, buy what they want, earn a living in a job they choose, keep what they earn, and own things privately.
Growth is a function of “inputs” AND “institutions” Spending to increase “inputs” won’t work unless the “oven” is turned on
2 3 Wise use of Tax Money? 1
North Korea vs. South Korea Per Capita Income = $1,800 Per Capita Income = $24,200
Example 1 • A Country with VERY LOW Economic Freedom
Example 2 • A Country with LOW Economic Freedom
Example 3 • A Country with MEDIUM Economic Freedom
Example 4 • Another Country with Medium Economic Freedom
Example 5 • A Country with HIGH Economic Freedom
Example 6 • Another Country with HIGH Economic Freedom
The Role of the Entrepreneur • Decentralized entrepreneurship is one main reason why capitalism works to generate progress and prosperity • Entrepreneurs keep inventing new things that improve our way of life
Percent of homes with Heating & Air Conditioning 1956 = 6% 1996 = 81% Percent of homes with only one bathroom 1956 = 71% 1996 = 9% Our Homes
Our Cars • We now have DVD players, Air Conditioning, Anti-lock Brakes, Power windows
Our Computers MacBook Air Least expensive-11-inch, 64GB, $999.00 Most expensive- 13-inch, 256GB, $1,599.00