The Impact of Public Expenditure on Economic Growth: A Review of International Literature

Research background: Although a number of studies have been conducted on the relationship between public expenditure and economic growth, it is difficult to tell with certainty whether or not an increase in public expenditure is good for economic growth. This lack of consensus on the results of the previous empirical findings makes this study of paramount importance as we take stock of the available empirical evidence from the 1980s to date. Purpose: In this paper, theoretical and empirical literature on the relationship between government expenditure and economic growth has been reviewed in detail. Focus was placed on the review of literature that assessed the impact of government spending on economic growth. Research Methodology: This study grouped studies on the impact of public expenditure on economic growth based on their results. Three groups emerged – positive impact, negative impact and no impact. This was followed by a review of each relevant study and an evaluation of which outcome was more prevalent among the existing studies on the subject. Results: The literature reviewed has shown that the impact of government spending on economic growth is not clear cut. It varies from positive to negative; with some studies even finding no impact. Although the impact of government spending on economic growth was found to be inconclusive, the scale tilts towards a positive impact. Novelty: The study provides an insight into the relationship between public expenditure and economic growth based on a comprehensive review of previous empirical evidence across various countries since the 1980s.