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Disparities in robot adoption among U.S. manufacturers: a critical economic development challenge

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  • Nancey Green Leigh
  • Heonyeong Lee
  • Benjamin Kraft

Abstract

The growing recognition of industrial robots as a source of innovation and competitiveness for manufacturing is motivating calls for a supportive industrial ecology and policy framework. However, little is known about factors that stimulate robot adoption at the firm level. Based on survey results of 428 manufacturing establishments, this study examines 1) the current diffusion of robotics in manufacturing and 2) establishment- and region-level characteristics associated with robot adoption. Our analysis showsthat while earlier robot adopters were mainly large establishments in the automotive sector, robots are now penetrating small- and medium-sized establishments and other sectors. Furthermore, being in a a region with a large pool of existing robot users and robot-related skilled labour positively affects establishments’ decisions on robot adoption. These trends suggest cumulative advantage (and disadvantage) regarding technology upgrading and a need for policies that can encourage wider adoption of robots.

Suggested Citation

  • Nancey Green Leigh & Heonyeong Lee & Benjamin Kraft, 2022. "Disparities in robot adoption among U.S. manufacturers: a critical economic development challenge," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(9), pages 1025-1044, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:indinn:v:29:y:2022:i:9:p:1025-1044
    DOI: 10.1080/13662716.2021.2007757
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    Cited by:

    1. Erik Brynjolfsson & Catherine Buffington & Nathan Goldschlag & J. Frank Li & Javier Miranda & Robert Seamans, 2023. "The Characteristics and Geographic Distribution of Robot Hubs in U.S. Manufacturing Establishments," Working Papers 23-14, Center for Economic Studies, U.S. Census Bureau.
    2. Fabien Petit & Florencia Jaccoud & Tommaso Ciarli, 2023. "Heterogeneous Adjustments of Labor Markets to Automation Technologies," CESifo Working Paper Series 10237, CESifo.

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