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Estimation of technical change and TFP growth based on observable technology shifters

Author

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  • Almas Heshmati

    (Sogang University
    Jönköping University)

  • Masoomeh Rashidghalam

    (University of Tabriz)

Abstract

This paper models and estimates total factor productivity (TFP) growth parametrically. The model is a generalization of the traditional production function model where technology is represented by a time trend. It decomposes TFP growth into an unobservable time trend induced technical change, scale economies and an observable technology shifter index’s components. The empirical results are based on unbalanced panel data at the global level for 190 countries observed over the period 1996–2013. It uses a number of exogenous growth factors in modeling four technology shifter indices to explore development infrastructure, finance, technology and human development determinants of TFP growth. Our results show that unobservable technical change remains the most important component of TFP growth. Our findings also show that technical changes and TFP growth are unexpectedly negative across all country income groups and years.

Suggested Citation

  • Almas Heshmati & Masoomeh Rashidghalam, 2020. "Estimation of technical change and TFP growth based on observable technology shifters," Journal of Productivity Analysis, Springer, vol. 53(1), pages 21-36, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jproda:v:53:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s11123-019-00558-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11123-019-00558-5
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    2. Archi Bhatia & Hans Raj Sharma, 2019. "Financial liberalization and channels of growth: a comparative study of developed and emerging economies," Indian Economic Review, Springer, vol. 54(1), pages 81-119, June.
    3. Alessandro Mistretta & Francesco Zollino, 0. "Recent Trends in Economic Activity and TFP in Italy with a Focus on Embodied Technical Progress," Italian Economic Journal: A Continuation of Rivista Italiana degli Economisti and Giornale degli Economisti, Springer;Società Italiana degli Economisti (Italian Economic Association), vol. 0, pages 1-29.
    4. Teklemariam, Mekuria Haile & Kwon, Youngsun, 2020. "Differentiating mobile broadband policies across diffusion stages: A panel data analysis," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 44(8).
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    6. Nadide YiÄŸiteli, 2023. "Production Losses Due to Technical Inefficiency: A Panel Data Analysis on the Case of BRICS-T Countries," EKOIST Journal of Econometrics and Statistics, Istanbul University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 0(38), pages 53-73, June.
    7. Gang, Cuiui & Li, Juanwei & Hu, Haiqing & Wei, Wei, 2023. "Dynamic co-movement between economic growth and language: A new perspective of technological progress," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 705-721.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Technical change; Total factor productivity growth; Technology indicators; Technology shifters;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C43 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Index Numbers and Aggregation
    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • O50 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - General

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