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A Simple Model of Offshore Outsourcing, Technology Upgrading and Welfare

Author

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  • Jaewon Jung

    (THEMA - Théorie économique, modélisation et applications - UCP - Université de Cergy Pontoise - Université Paris-Seine - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Jean Mercenier

    (ERMES - Equipe de recherche sur les marches, l'emploi et la simulation - UP2 - Université Panthéon-Assas - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

We adapt Yeaple's (2005) heterogeneous agents framework to model firms in the North as making explicit offshore outsourcing decisions to cheap-labor economies. Globalization results from a lowering of the set-up costs incurred when engaging in offshore activities. We highlight how firms' technology transformations due to globalization will induce skill upgrading in the North, increase aggregate productivity, average wages and therefore total welfare at the cost of increased wage inequalities. We analytically derive mild conditions under which all consumers--including lower-skilled workers--will nevertheless gain from the surge of offshore outsourcing. A parameterized version of the model roughly calibrated on U.S. data is then numerically explored and confirms our positive welfare predictions.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaewon Jung & Jean Mercenier, 2009. "A Simple Model of Offshore Outsourcing, Technology Upgrading and Welfare," PSE - G-MOND WORKING PAPERS halshs-00967369, HAL.
  • Handle: RePEc:hal:gmonwp:halshs-00967369
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-00967369
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jaewon Jung & Jean Mercenier, 2010. "Routinization-Biased Technical Change, Globalization and Labor Market Polarization: Does Theory Fit the Facts?," Working Papers 13/2010, University of Verona, Department of Economics.
    2. Philipp Harms & Jaewon Jung & Oliver Lorz, 2021. "Offshoring and sequential production chains: A general equilibrium analysis," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 54(2), pages 623-647, May.
    3. Blanchard, Emily & Willmann, Gerald, 2016. "Trade, education, and the shrinking middle class," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 263-278.
    4. Blanchard, Emily J. & Olney, William W., 2017. "Globalization and human capital investment: Export composition drives educational attainment," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 165-183.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Offshore outsourcing; Globalization; Skill upgrading; Technology upgrading; Firm heterogeneity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F16 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Labor Market Interactions

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