Parametric aggregation of heterogeneous micro production technologies is discussed. A four-factor Cobb-Douglas function with normally distributed firm specific coefficients and with log-normal inputs (which agrees well with the available data) is speciffied. Since, if the number of micro units is large enough, aggregates expressed as arithmetic means can be associated with expectations, we consider conditions ensuring an approximate relation of Cobb-Douglas form to exist between expected output and expected inputs. Similar relations in higher-order moments are also derived. It is shown how the aggregate input elasticities depend on the coefficient heterogeneity and the co-variance matrix of the log-input vector and hence vary over time. An implementation based on firm panel data for two manufacturing industries gives estimates of industry level input elasticities and decomposition for expected output. Finally, aggregation errors which emerge when the correct aggregate elasticities are replaced by the expected micro elasticities, are explored.
Download Info
To download:
If you experience problems downloading a file, check if you have the
proper application to
view it first. Information about this may be contained
in the File-Format links below. In case of further problems read
the IDEAS help
page. Note that these files are not on the IDEAS
site. Please be patient as the files may be large.
Publisher Info
Paper provided by Oslo University, Department of Economics in its series Memorandum with number
22/2004.
Find related papers by JEL classification: C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data C43 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Index Numbers and Aggregation D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms
References listed on IDEAS Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.: