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Robotizing to Compete? Firm-level Evidence

Author

Listed:
  • Paulo Bastos

    (World Bank)

  • Lisandra Flach

    (LMU Munich, ifo Institue)

  • Klaus Keller

    (LMU Munich, Max-Planck Institute for Competition and Innovation)

Abstract

We investigate the impact of product market competition on firms’ automation investments. We use a rich combination of micro-data on Portuguese exporters and exploit a novel source of variation in the degree of competition they face – a tariff liberalization between the European Union and Central and Eastern European countries in the 1990s. We find that firms facing greater competition in export markets tend to reduce investments in automation technologies. These average negative effects are driven by the least productive firms, while the most efficient exporters in industries that are more prone to automation tend to robotize in order to compete. These findings suggest that an increase in the degree of product market competition widens disparities between firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Paulo Bastos & Lisandra Flach & Klaus Keller, 2023. "Robotizing to Compete? Firm-level Evidence," Rationality and Competition Discussion Paper Series 467, CRC TRR 190 Rationality and Competition.
    • Handle: RePEc:rco:dpaper:467
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis
    • F16 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Labor Market Interactions
    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance
    • 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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