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Imports and TFP at the Firm Level: The Role of Absorptive Capacity

Author

Listed:
  • Patricia AUGIER

    (FERDI)

  • Olivier CADOT

    (Faculté des hautes études commerciales - Université de Lausanne)

  • Marion DOVIS

    (FERDI)

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 capacit y to absorb technology, measured by the proportion of skilled labor.

Suggested Citation

  • Patricia AUGIER & Olivier CADOT & Marion DOVIS, 2012. "Imports and TFP at the Firm Level: The Role of Absorptive Capacity," Working Papers P44, FERDI.
    • Handle: RePEc:fdi:wpaper:517
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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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