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Imports, technology, and employment: Job creation or creative destruction

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  • Chandan Sharma
  • Ritesh Kumar Mishra

Abstract

This study examines the employment impact of technology by using firm‐level survey data for a large number of developing countries. We not only examine the impact of technology on overall employment but also investigate the effect on different types of employment, such as skilled, unskilled, temporary, and seasonal. Considering asymmetric distribution of employment, we utilize quantile regression for empirical analysis. Our findings unequivocally suggest that technology does not kill jobs. Further, we could not find any skill‐biased impact of technology. Finally, results suggest that technology received through alternative sources works in combination, enhances absorptive capacity and promotes employment.

Suggested Citation

  • Chandan Sharma & Ritesh Kumar Mishra, 2023. "Imports, technology, and employment: Job creation or creative destruction," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 44(1), pages 152-170, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:mgtdec:v:44:y:2023:i:1:p:152-170
    DOI: 10.1002/mde.3671
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Yang Shen & Xiuwu Zhang, 2024. "The impact of artificial intelligence on employment: the role of virtual agglomeration," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-14, December.
    6. Rupika Khanna & Chandan Sharma, 2025. "Imported inputs and productivity: Unraveling the dynamics in India's manufacturing sector," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 46(1), pages 409-424, January.
    7. Arup Mitra & Chandan Sharma, 2025. "Technological Effects on Employment and Productivity in Developing World: Domestic Versus Imported Expertise," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 68(2), pages 511-540, June.
    8. Afef Bouattour & Maha Kalai & Kamel Helali, 2024. "Threshold effects of technology import on industrial employment: a panel smooth transition regression approach," Journal of Economic Structures, Springer;Pan-Pacific Association of Input-Output Studies (PAPAIOS), vol. 13(1), pages 1-33, December.
    9. Chandan Sharma & Rupika Khanna, 2024. "Do trade and technology foster employment growth? Evidence from Indian industries," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 45(2), pages 989-1005, March.
    10. Stephen J. Robson & Martin Hensher & Jeffrey C. Looi, 2024. "Can we predict the effects of artificial intelligence and virtual care on the health labour market?," Australian Journal of Labour Economics (AJLE), Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin Business School, vol. 27(2), pages 143-160.

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