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Economic Complexity and Robot Adoption

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  • Barros, Fernando
  • Delalibera, Bruno
  • Ribeiro, Marcos

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between economic complexity and industrial robot adoption. Using panel data for 61 countries from 1996 to 2022, we find that higher robot density is significantly associated with greater economic complexity. This positive relationship remains robust after controlling for per capita income, human capital, institutional quality, and other relevant factors. Notably, the complexity-enhancing effect of robots is stronger in countries with a larger share of low-skilled workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Barros, Fernando & Delalibera, Bruno & Ribeiro, Marcos, 2025. "Economic Complexity and Robot Adoption," MPRA Paper 125125, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 01 Jun 2025.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:125125
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bloom, David E. & Prettner, Klaus & Saadaoui, Jamel & Veruete, Mario, 2025. "Artificial intelligence and the skill premium," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
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    5. Lapatinas, Athanasios, 2019. "The effect of the Internet on economic sophistication: An empirical analysis," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 174(C), pages 35-38.
    6. Hausmann, Ricardo & Hidalgo, Cesar, 2014. "The Atlas of Economic Complexity: Mapping Paths to Prosperity," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262525429, December.
    7. Prettner, Klaus & Strulik, Holger, 2020. "Innovation, automation, and inequality: Policy challenges in the race against the machine," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 249-265.
    8. Bloom, David E. & Prettner, Klaus & Saadaoui, Jamel & Veruete, Mario, 2025. "Artificial intelligence and the skill premium," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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