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Implications of Information Technology for Employment, Skills, and Wages: A Review of Recent Research

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  • Handel, Michael J.

Abstract

An extensive review of the research literature on the effects of information technology (IT) on employment levels, job skill requirements, and wages. The first sections provide historical background on earlier waves of concern regarding automation and contemporary public opinion, then examine trends in overall employment and demand for IT workers. The second half of the paper is a detailed review of the econometric research and debate over skill-biased technological change and competing explanations of the growth of earnings inequality.

Suggested Citation

  • Handel, Michael J., 2003. "Implications of Information Technology for Employment, Skills, and Wages: A Review of Recent Research," MPRA Paper 80077, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:80077
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    Cited by:

    1. Michael J. Handel, 2016. "What do people do at work? [Was machen Menschen bei der Arbeit?]," Journal for Labour Market Research, Springer;Institute for Employment Research/ Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), vol. 49(2), pages 177-197, October.
    2. Handel, Michael J., 2016. "What do people do at work? : a profile of U.S. jobs from the survey of workplace Skills, Technology, and Management Practices (STAMP) (Was machen Menschen bei der Arbeit? : Ein Profil US-amerikanische," Journal for Labour Market Research, Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany], vol. 49(2), pages 177-197.
    3. Chee‐Hong Law & Siong Hook Law, 2024. "The non‐linear impacts of innovation on unemployment: Evidence from panel data," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(1), pages 402-424, January.
    4. Michael J., Handel, 2004. "Implications of Information Technology for Employment, Skills, and Wages: Findings from Sectoral and Case Study Research," MPRA Paper 80241, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Handel, Michael J., 2016. "What do people do at work? : a profile of U.S. jobs from the survey of workplace Skills, Technology, and Management Practices (STAMP) (Was machen Menschen bei der Arbeit? : Ein Profil US-amerikanische," Journal for Labour Market Research, Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany], vol. 49(2), pages 177-197.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    automation; computers; skill-biased technological change; earnings inequality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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