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Access to finance: The role of production level technology

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  • Wellalage, Nirosha
  • Wallace, Damien
  • Reddy, Krishna

Abstract

The integration of robots and advanced technology in firm-level production processes represents a transformative shift in modern industrial practices. However, there is a lack of cumulative knowledge about the advancement of technology in the production processes affects mitigating the gender gap. Through the lens of financial accessibility, the study investigates how technological advancements influence firms' capacity to secure external financing and get large loans. Using the 2020 WorldBank Enterprises Survey data and a probit model for the analysis, our results suggest that industry robots and a high level of technology in production have the potential to reduce the gender gap in loan approvals. The findings of this have implications for decision-makers and policymakers, seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of technology-driven production and finance to enhance productivity and inclusivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Wellalage, Nirosha & Wallace, Damien & Reddy, Krishna, 2025. "Access to finance: The role of production level technology," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:71:y:2025:i:c:s1544612324014892
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2024.106460
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    1. Ma, Peng & Shi, Fangyuan, 2026. "Financial support, robot penetration rate, and the technological complexity of manufacturing exports," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Theory
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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