Contributing Institution: Department of Special Collections and University Archives

Title: Moses Abramovitz and Paul A. David papers

Identifier/Call Number: SC1609

Physical Description: 12 Linear Feet

Date (inclusive): 1947-2000

Physical Location: Special Collections and University Archives materials are stored offsite and must be paged 48 hours in advance. For more information on paging collections, see the department's website: http://library.stanford.edu/spc.

Language of Material: English .

Materials are open for research use. Audio-visual materials are not available in original format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.

Gift of Gavin Wright, Professor Emeritus, 2022.

Moses Abramovitz and Paul A. David were prominent economists who made significant contributions to the study of economic growth and its impact on economies. Moses Abramovitz was born on January 1, 1912, and was raised in Brooklyn, New York. Due to an infection, Abramovitz passed away on December 1, 2000 at age 88. He completed his bachelor's degree in economics summa cum laude at Harvard University. Abramovitz focused on the concept of economic catch-up and the factors driving faster growth in less developed countries. He emphasized the role of technological progress and innovation in narrowing the income gap between nations. Paul A. David was born on May 24, 1935, and was also raised in New York. Due to complications of Alzheimer's disease, he passed away on January 23, 2023 at age 87. David also completed his degree on economics at Harvard University. Paul A. David's work revolved around the economics of innovation and technological change. His influential paper on the QWERTY keyboard layout challenged the prevailing belief that technological standards are always determined by efficiency. David argued that path-dependence and network effects played a crucial role in shaping the adoption of certain technologies. This perspective broadened the understanding of innovation dynamics. Paul A. David also helped Stanford become a renowned center for economic history by bringing in esteemed figures to the Department of Economics faculty. Moses Abramovitz provided the foundation for the university's reputation in the area, but Paul A. David's team of academics solidified it. Their contributions to the area of new economic history, or cliometrics were among their most remarkable accomplishments. Both Abramovitz and David's research has had a significant impact on the field of growth theory. Their contributions have deepened the understanding of economic growth processes, the role of technological advancements, and the influence of historical and institutional factors on economic development. Their papers continue to be highly regarded and influential in the field of economics.

[identification of item] Moses Abramovitz and Paul A. David papers (SC1609). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

This collection consists of papers on economic growth impact and theory. Specific materials include research data, professional correspondence, notes, manuscripts, and publications created by Moses Abramovitz and Paul A. David.

While University Archives is the owner of the physical and/or digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.