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Productivity drivers: empirical evidence on the role of digital and intangible capital, FDI and integration

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  • Amat Adarov
  • David Klenert
  • Robert Marschinski
  • Robert Stehrer

Abstract

We examine the drivers of labor productivity at aggregate and sectoral levels focusing on tangible and intangible ICT capital, FDI and global value chain participation. The analysis, based on a panel dataset of 18 EU countries, the US and Japan over the period 2000–2017, reveals an important role of ICT capital, especially intangible ICT capital embodied in software and databases, in driving labor productivity growth. Furthermore, backward global value chain participation is also positively associated with productivity. Contrary to expectations, we do not find evidence of a productivity-enhancing effect of foreign direct investment when controlling for phantom FDI related to special purpose entities.

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  • Amat Adarov & David Klenert & Robert Marschinski & Robert Stehrer, 2022. "Productivity drivers: empirical evidence on the role of digital and intangible capital, FDI and integration," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 54(48), pages 5515-5531, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:v:54:y:2022:i:48:p:5515-5531
    DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2022.2047598
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    1. Kren, Janez & Lawless, Martina, 2023. "Firm-level attitudes and actions to the “Twin Transition” challenges of digitalisation and climate change," Papers WP742, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
    2. Nicholas Bloom & Philip Bunn & Paul Mizen & Pawel Smietanka & Gregory Thwaites, 2020. "The Impact of Covid-19 on Productivity," NBER Working Papers 28233, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Cristiano Antonelli & Gianluca Orsatti & Guido Pialli, 2023. "The effects of the limited exhaustibility of knowledge on firm size and the direction of technological change," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 48(4), pages 1359-1385, August.
    4. D. Dessì & R. Paci, 2023. "The impact of Global Value Chains participation on countries' productivity," Working Paper CRENoS 202305, Centre for North South Economic Research, University of Cagliari and Sassari, Sardinia.

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