Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 August 2016
In a previous issue of this Review, A. Kervyn de Lettenhove and V. Staes (1975) used the so-called Scandinavian inflation model as a frame of reference in order to determine in which case the Belgian system of automatic wage-indexing produces excessive wage inflation, leading to a deterioration of the competition position of the export-oriented sectors on the world market. A formal test of the model used was only given at an aggregative level, and the need for a more disaggregated approach was stressed.
In this paper, a disaggregated long-term version of the Scandinavian inflation model is formalized and tested for the Belgian economy. We first point out the assumptions underlying the model. On these assumptions the formalization is set up. Finally, the model is made subject to a formal test.
I gratefully acknowledge the helpful comments on a previous draft by P. De Grauwe (Director C.E.S.-K.U. Leuven), A. Steinherr (I.R.E.S.-Louvain) and two anonymous referees. Remaining errors are mine.