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Robots and skill-biased development in employment structure: Evidence from China

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  • Tang, Chengjian
  • Huang, Keqi
  • Liu, Qiren

Abstract

We use inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and propensity score matching (PSM) difference-in-differences (DID) to identify the causal relation between industrial robot adoption and employment structure in China. We find that robot adoption will significantly encourage firms to hire more highly skilled and highly educated workers, introducing skill-biased development into firms’ employment structure.

Suggested Citation

  • Tang, Chengjian & Huang, Keqi & Liu, Qiren, 2021. "Robots and skill-biased development in employment structure: Evidence from China," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 205(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:205:y:2021:i:c:s0165176521002378
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2021.109960
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    4. Zhang, Yi & Wang, Ting & Liu, Chun, 2024. "Beyond the modern productivity paradox: The effect of robotics technology on firm-level total factor productivity in China," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    5. Dario Guarascio & Alessandro Piccirillo & Jelena Reljic, 2024. "Will robot replace workers? Assessing the impact of robots on employment and wages with meta-analysis," LEM Papers Series 2024/03, Laboratory of Economics and Management (LEM), Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy.
    6. Chen, Xiaoxiao & Yang, Jiayi & Wu, Bo, 2025. "How is artificial intelligence shaping the labor demand of firms? ——evidence from text-mining analysis of listed companies," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(10).
    7. Zhou, Wei & Zhuang, Yan & Chen, Yan, 2024. "How does artificial intelligence affect pollutant emissions by improving energy efficiency and developing green technology," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    8. Sun, Hongye & Gao, Gongjing, 2025. "The impact of intelligent automation on subjective well-being and job satisfaction: A comparison between standard and nonstandard employment," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(PB).
    9. Wang, Ting & Zhang, Yi & Liu, Chun, 2024. "Robot adoption and employment adjustment: Firm-level evidence from China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    10. Zhang, Xinchun & Sun, Murong & Liu, Jianxu & Xu, Aijia, 2024. "The nexus between industrial robot and employment in China: The effects of technology substitution and technology creation," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    11. Zhu, Ruini & Yuan, Ye & Wang, Yaojing, 2024. "Love, health, and robots: Automation, migration, and family responses in rural China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    12. Deng, Liuchun & Fujio, Minako & Lin, Xin & Ota, Rui, 2023. "Labor shortage and early robotization in Japan," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 233(C).
    13. Filippi, Emilia & Bannò, Mariasole & Trento, Sandro, 2023. "Automation technologies and their impact on employment: A review, synthesis and future research agenda," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    14. Chen, Yang & Cheng, Liang & Lee, Chien-Chiang, 2022. "How does the use of industrial robots affect the ecological footprint? International evidence," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    15. Li, Daiyue & Jin, Yanhong & Cheng, Mingwang, 2024. "Unleashing the power of industrial robotics on firm productivity: Evidence from China," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 224(C), pages 500-520.
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    17. Kanit Sangsubhan & Kumpon Pornpattanapaisankul & Pisacha Kambuya, 2023. "Automation and Productivity: Evidence from Thai Manufacturing Firms," PIER Discussion Papers 199, Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research.

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    Keywords

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    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
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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