Question

Explain the operation of the Accelerator.

Answer 1

Operation of the Acceleration Principle:

1. Let us consider a simple example. The operation of the accelerator may be illustrated as follows.
2. Let us suppose that in order to produce 1000 consumer goods, 100 machines are required.
3. Also, suppose that the working life of a machine is 10 years.
4. This means that every year 10 machines have to be replaced in order to maintain the constant flow of 1000 consumer goods. This might be called replacement demand.
5. Suppose that demand for consumer goods rises by 10 percent (i.e. from 1000 to 1100).
6. This results in an increase in demand for 10 more machines.
7. So that total demand for machines is 20. (10 for replacement and 10 for meeting increased demand).
8. It may be noted here a 10 percent increase in demand for consumer goods causes a 100 percent increase in demand for machines (from 10 to 20).
9. So we can conclude even a mild change in demand for consumer goods will lead to a wide change in investment.

Diagrammatic illustration:
Operation of Accelerator.

1. SS is the saving curve. II is the investment curve. At point E₁ the economy is in equilibrium with OY₁ income. Saving and investment are equal at OY₁ Now, investment is increased from OI₂ to OI₄.
2. This increases income from OY₁ to OY₃, the equilibrium point being E₃ If the increase in investment by I₂ I₄ is purely exogenous, then the increase in income by Y₁ Y₃ would have been due to the multiplier effect.
3. But in this diagram it is assumed that exogenous investment is only by I, I3 and induced investment is by I₃I₄.
4. Therefore, the increase in income by Y₁ Y₂ is due to the multiplier effect and the increase in income by Y₂ Y₃ is due to the accelerator effect.