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Investment in Knowledge‐Based Capital and Productivity: Firm‐Level Evidence from a Small Open Economy

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  • Mattia Di Ubaldo
  • Iulia Siedschlag

Abstract

This paper examines the responsiveness of firm productivity to investment in knowledge‐based capital (KBC) including a range of intangible assets such as research and development (R&D), intellectual property assets, computer software, organizational, and branding capital. A dynamic econometric model is estimated with micro‐data from Ireland over the period 2006–2012. Ceteris paribus, the estimated average elasticity of productivity with respect to investment in KBC per employee is 0.3. In comparison to previous empirical studies, this paper goes beyond the representative firm approach and accounts for the heterogeneous behavior of firms which differ by ownership, size, export participation, and sector of activity. Further, the analysis finds that investing simultaneously in multiple KBC assets has complementary as well as substitution effects on firm productivity, with different interdependence patterns for specific investment combinations across groups of firms and sectors.

Suggested Citation

  • Mattia Di Ubaldo & Iulia Siedschlag, 2021. "Investment in Knowledge‐Based Capital and Productivity: Firm‐Level Evidence from a Small Open Economy," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 67(2), pages 363-393, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:revinw:v:67:y:2021:i:2:p:363-393
    DOI: 10.1111/roiw.12464
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    5. Cantillon, Leona & Gargan, Eric & Kren, Janez & Lawless, Martina & O'Toole, Conor, 2022. "Recent trends in SME investment in Ireland: exploring the pandemic and barriers to growth," Research Series, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), number SUSTAT113.
    6. He, Qiuqin & Guijarro-Garcia, Maria & Costa-Climent, Juan, 2022. "Impact of knowledge-based capital on firm productivity: The contingent effect of ownership," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 85-94.
    7. Zhang, Ming & Du, Panpan & Tu, Xianjin, 2023. "The role of intangible assets in promoting the sustainability of agri-food enterprises: Evidence from China," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 928-939.
    8. Kox, Henk L.M., 2023. "Testing an extended knowledge-capital model of foreign direct investment," MPRA Paper 117266, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    9. Kox, Henk L.M., 2022. "Linking the knowledge-capital model of foreign direct investment with national knowledge systems," EconStor Preprints 266495, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.
    10. Mmbaga, Nanzia F. & Kulindwa, Yusuph & Kazungu, Isaac, 2023. "Energy Consumption and Economic Growth Nexus in East African Sub-Region: Interactive Dynamics of Human Capital," African Journal of Economic Review, African Journal of Economic Review, vol. 11(5), December.

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