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International linkages, technology transfer, and the skilled labor wage share: Evidence from plant-level data in Indonesia

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  • Yasar, Mahmut
  • Rejesus, Roderick M.

Abstract

This paper examines whether technology transfer through international linkages (such as the importing of intermediate inputs and foreign direct investments) influences skilled labor wage shares in Indonesian plants. Using a variety of specifications, estimators, and robustness checks (including Correlated Random Effects Probit, quantile fixed effects regression, and a moment-based instrumental variable (IV) approach), we find that the import of intermediate inputs and foreign direct investment likely facilitate the transfer of technologies from advanced nations, which then results in skill-biased technological change and increased relative skilled labor wage share. These results indicate that, contrary to standard trade theory predictions, international linkages can lead to increased demand for skilled labor and a potential widening of the skilled-unskilled labor wage gap in Indonesia. Our findings support the theoretical explanation provided by Acemoglu (2003). Since firms in developing countries like Indonesia mainly rely on technologies from advanced nations, trade is likely to increase (rather than decrease) the skilled wage premium.

Suggested Citation

  • Yasar, Mahmut & Rejesus, Roderick M., 2020. "International linkages, technology transfer, and the skilled labor wage share: Evidence from plant-level data in Indonesia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:128:y:2020:i:c:s0305750x19304966
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2019.104847
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Skill-biased technological change; Technology transfer; Correlated Random Effects Probit; Fixed Effects Quantile Regression; Indonesia; Asia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • L24 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Contracting Out; Joint Ventures
    • 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
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology

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