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Imports and TFP at the firm level: the role of absorptive capacity

Author

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  • Patricia Augier
  • Olivier Cadot
  • Marion Dovis
Abstract
This paper estimates the effect of the decision to import intermediate goods and capital equipment on Total Factor Productivity (TFP) at the firm level on a panel of Spanish firms (1991–2002). We use two alternative approaches. In the first, we estimate TFP and apply a diff‐in‐diff estimator with a control group constructed by propensity‐score matching. In the second, direct method, we estimate TFP with imported inputs as a state variable in one stage. Both approaches show that the effect of a firm's decision to source intermediates and capital equipment abroad on its TFP depends critically on its capacity to absorb technology, measured by the proportion of skilled labour. Importations et productivité totale des facteurs de production au niveau de la firme. le rôle de la capacité d'absorption. Ce mémoire examine l'effet de la décision d'importer des biens intermédiaires et de l’équipement en capital sur la productivité totale des facteurs de production (PTF) au niveau de la firme dans le cas d'un panel d'entreprises espagnoles (1991–2002). On utilise deux approches. Dans la première, on évalue la PTF enutilisant la méthode de différence‐dans‐les différences avec un groupe de contrôle construit par appariement des coefficients de propension. Dans la seconde – la méthode directe – on calibre la PTF en incluant les intrants importés dans la fonction de production. Les deux approches montrent que l'effet de la décision d'une firme de s'approvisionner à l’étranger en produits intermédiaires et en équipement en capital dépend de manière critique de sa capacité d'absorber la technologie – un élément mesuré par la proportion de travailleurs qualifiés.

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  • Patricia Augier & Olivier Cadot & Marion Dovis, 2013. "Imports and TFP at the firm level: the role of absorptive capacity," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 46(3), pages 956-981, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:canjec:v:46:y:2013:i:3:p:956-981
    DOI: 10.1111/caje.12034
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    JEL classification:

    • F2 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business
    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development
    • O2 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy

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