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CEO Age and Technology Adoption: Network effects in e-commerce propagation in Japan

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  • Daiji KAWAGUCHI
  • Sagiri KITAO
  • Manabu NOSE

Abstract

This study examines how CEO age influences the speed of technology adoption, focusing on e-commerce diffusion during COVID-19. Using unique survey data linked to credit scores and trading networks, we find firms are more likely to adopt e-commerce when their trading partners do, with adoption elasticity rising from 0.27 in 2020 to 0.37 in 2021. However, firms led by older CEOs respond more slowly, with elasticity decreasing by 0.13 to 0.21 for CEOs 10 years above the average. These findings highlight the role of leadership demographics in technology diffusion and firms' adaptability in digital transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Daiji KAWAGUCHI & Sagiri KITAO & Manabu NOSE, 2025. "CEO Age and Technology Adoption: Network effects in e-commerce propagation in Japan," Discussion papers 25023, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
    • Handle: RePEc:eti:dpaper:25023
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