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International knowledge spillovers and wage inequality in developing countries

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  • Wang, Ming-cheng
  • Fang, Chen-ray
  • Huang, Li-hsuan

Abstract

In this paper, international knowledge spillovers are incorporated in a horizontal innovation model, designed to explain the observed uncertain effects that openness of trade can have on wage inequality in small developing countries. Openness of trade can produce two different effects: an increase in the relative price of less-skilled labor-intensive products and a wider skill discrepancy due to knowledge spillovers from the more to less developed country. The former triggers a fall in the wage premium, while the latter widens the wage premium gap in a developing country. These two opposing forces explain the observed uncertain effects of openness to trade on wage inequality in developing countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Ming-cheng & Fang, Chen-ray & Huang, Li-hsuan, 2009. "International knowledge spillovers and wage inequality in developing countries," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 26(6), pages 1208-1214, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:26:y:2009:i:6:p:1208-1214
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    10. Riska Dwi Wulandari & Susilo & Dias Satria, 2018. "Income Inequality between Formal-Informal Employees Based on Education Group," Economics and Finance in Indonesia, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia, vol. 64, pages 25-42, Juni.
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    14. Zhang, Jingjing, 2013. "Factor mobility and skilled–unskilled wage inequality in the presence of internationally traded product varieties," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 30(C), pages 579-585.
    15. Anwar, Sajid & Sun, Sizhong & Valadkhani, Abbas, 2013. "International outsourcing of skill intensive tasks and wage inequality," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 31(C), pages 590-597.
    16. Hernando Zuleta & Luiza Pogorelova, 2012. "Trade, Technology, Income Distribution and Growth," Documentos CEDE 10022, Universidad de los Andes, Facultad de Economía, CEDE.
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