Convergence/Catch-up Effect

According to economic models, low-income regions should grow faster than high-income regions. Poor places can grow more quickly because they can copy the technologies and economic policies of those that are already wealthy. This phenomenon is referred to as “convergence” or the “catch-up effect” by economists.

For the most part, the theory holds true. Within countries like the United States, Japan and China, less developed states are growing faster than wealthy ones. In India, however, convergence across states is not happening.