This paper analyzes the existence of Hopf bifurcation and establishes the conditions under which the equilibrium path converges toward periodic solutions in a one-sector optimal growth model with delay. We establish the limits and the possibilities of nonlinear dynamics (i.e., cycles) vis-à-vis delays. In particular, we formulate a new method to further comprehend the root distribution of the characteristic equation of a standard optimal growth model with delayed investment structure. We show that nonmonotonic dynamics (limit cycles, persistent oscillations) occurs when the delayed investment causes permanent adjustment failures among the economic variables in the economy.

Cataloged from PDF version of article.Cobb–Douglas type production functions and time-delay are not sufficient for the economy\ud to behave cyclic. However, capital dependent population dynamics can enforce Hopf\ud bifurcation. 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

As scarce environmental resources necessarily put a constraint on population growth, we use more realistic population growth dynamics which contemplates a feedback mechanism between population growth rate and resource availability. We examine the local stability properties in overlapping generations resource economies which takes this feedback mechanism into account. The results indicate that Hopf bifurcation may arise without requiring logistic regeneration or unconventional constraints on parameter values. In particular, Hopf bifurcation is encountered under convex-concave dependence of carrying capacity on the resource availability.