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Trends in Inter-Firm Transactions Across Industries in the U.S

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  • Hammerling, Jessie HF

Abstract

This paper explores trends in inter-firm transactions (IFT) in the U.S. in relation to the varied approaches that researchers have used to study domestic outsourcing. I develop a typology of IFT that references distinct definitions of outsourcing, and I generate a new methodology for measuring domestic IFT using the Bureau of Economic Analysis National Input-Output Accounts data. I analyze IFT trends for individual industries and for three groups: all goods and services, all services, and only services that could feasibly be produced in-house by the purchaser. Trends in IFT vary considerably across industries, but IFT for services and for feasibly in-house services have increased in recent decades, both as a portion of total economic output and as a portion of services output. This study offers the first comprehensive assessment of changes in domestic IFT in the U.S., and establishes a conceptual and empirical foundation for further research on domestic outsourcing.

Suggested Citation

  • Hammerling, Jessie HF, 2022. "Trends in Inter-Firm Transactions Across Industries in the U.S," Institute for Research on Labor and Employment, Working Paper Series qt9dr868wx, Institute of Industrial Relations, UC Berkeley.
    • Handle: RePEc:cdl:indrel:qt9dr868wx
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matthew Dey & Susan N. Houseman & Anne Polivka, 2010. "What Do We Know about Contracting Out in the United States? Evidence from Household and Establishment Surveys," Book chapters authored by Upjohn Institute researchers, in: Katharine G. Abraham & James R. Spletzer & Michael J. Harper (ed.),Labor in the New Economy, pages 267-304, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
    2. Karen J. Horowitz & Mark A. Planting, 2006. "Concepts and Methods of the U.S. Input-Output Accounts," BEA Papers 0066, Bureau of Economic Analysis.
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    6. David H. Autor, 2003. "Outsourcing at Will: The Contribution of Unjust Dismissal Doctrine to the Growth of Employment Outsourcing," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 21(1), pages 1-42, January.
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    Keywords

    Social and Behavioral Sciences; firms and organizations; methods;
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