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Investigating the Contribution of R&D and ICT Investments in Total Factor Productivity Growth: Evidence from Quebec’s Manufacturing SMEs

Author

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  • Alphonse G. Singbo

    (Laval University)

  • Cokou P. Kpadé

    (Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue)

  • Lota D. Tamini

    (Laval University)

Abstract

Investment in research and development (R&D) and information and communication technologies (ICT) enable firms to better organize their operations and effectively manage risks and uncertainties. This is particularly evident in capital-intensive industries such as those in the manufacturing sector in Quebec, where short-term flexibility is limited due to high adjustment costs and a recurrent labor shortage. By accounting for endogeneity in fixed capital stocks and variable inputs, we utilize unbalanced firm-level panel data from Quebec spanning from 2001 to 2018 to estimate input demand, substitution elasticities, and total factor productivity (TFP) growth. Results consistently indicate that TFP growth is declining due to high volatility in the demand for fixed capital, specifically for R&D and ICT. The effects of technical progress induced by R&D are very low and generally negative, implying that firms utilize investments in R&D to compensate for weak innovation or a lack of technical progress.

Suggested Citation

  • Alphonse G. Singbo & Cokou P. Kpadé & Lota D. Tamini, 2025. "Investigating the Contribution of R&D and ICT Investments in Total Factor Productivity Growth: Evidence from Quebec’s Manufacturing SMEs," Journal of Quantitative Economics, Springer;The Indian Econometric Society (TIES), vol. 23(3), pages 735-762, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jqecon:v:23:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s40953-025-00447-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s40953-025-00447-9
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    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity

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