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Robust Measurement of National Technological Progress

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  • Stefano Zambelli
  • Thomas Fredholm
  • Ragupathy Venkatachalam

Abstract

We propose a measure of technological progress based on the information embedded in standard input-output tables. A connection is established between the quantities necessary as inputs, the associated output and auxiliary prices. It is argued that the wage-profit frontiers and the associated production prices together provide a robust basis for measuring technological progress and productivities. The computation of the wage-profit frontiers is a non-trivial exercise because of high combinatorial complexity. An algorithm that renders this computation feasible is presented. We analyze technological progress and productivities among 30 countries between 1995-2009 using the latest multi-regional input-output data.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefano Zambelli & Thomas Fredholm & Ragupathy Venkatachalam, 2014. "Robust Measurement of National Technological Progress," ASSRU Discussion Papers 1404, ASSRU - Algorithmic Social Science Research Unit.
    • Handle: RePEc:trn:utwpas:1404
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    Cited by:

    1. Stefano Zambelli, 2014. "Aggregate Production Functions and Neoclassical Properties: An Empirical Verification," ASSRU Discussion Papers 1405, ASSRU - Algorithmic Social Science Research Unit.
    2. Tsoulfidis, Lefteris, 2021. "Capital Theory Debates: New Developments and Direction," Centro Sraffa Working Papers CSWP51, Centro di Ricerche e Documentazione "Piero Sraffa".
    3. Jonathan F. Cogliano & Roberto Veneziani & Naoki Yoshihara, 2022. "Computational methods and classical‐Marxian economics," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 36(2), pages 310-349, April.
    4. S. V. Kuznetsov & A. E. Miller & L. M. Davidenko, 2019. "Development Prospects of Technological Integration: Regional Perspective," Studies on Russian Economic Development, Springer, vol. 30(1), pages 15-21, January.
    5. Vienneau, Robert L., 2019. "Structural economic dynamics, markups, real Wicksell effects, and the reverse substitution of labor," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 216-226.
    6. Kersting, Götz & Schefold, Bertram, 2021. "Best techniques leave little room for substitution. A new critique of the production function," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 509-533.
    7. Schefold, Bertram, 2022. "What Remains of the Cambridge Critique? Potential Conclusions and Directions for Further Research Following from Recent Investigations in Capital Theory," Centro Sraffa Working Papers CSWP53, Centro di Ricerche e Documentazione "Piero Sraffa".
    8. Elisabetta Croci Angelini & Francesco Farina & Enzo Valentini, 2020. "Wage and employment by skill levels in technological evolution of South and East Europe," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 30(5), pages 1497-1514, November.
    9. Petri, Fabio, 2021. "What Remains of the Cambridge Critique? On Professor Schefold's Theses," Centro Sraffa Working Papers CSWP50, Centro di Ricerche e Documentazione "Piero Sraffa".
    10. Theodore Mariolis & Despoina Kesperi, 2022. "Demand multipliers and technical performance of a Southern Eurozone economy in hard times: Kalman–Leontief–Sraffa evidence from the Greek economy, 2010–2014," Evolutionary and Institutional Economics Review, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 47-75, April.
    11. Marta Fana & Davide Villani, 2021. "The Automotive Supply Chain in Europe: An Input-Output Analysis of Value Added and Employment Composition," JRC Working Papers on Labour, Education and Technology 2021-01, Joint Research Centre.
    12. Stefano Zambelli, 2018. "Production of commodities by means of commodities and non‐uniform rates of profits," Metroeconomica, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 69(4), pages 791-819, November.
    13. Boglioni, Michele, 2019. "European economic integration: Comparative advantages and free trade of the means of production," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 491-504.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Technological Change; Input–Output analysis; Wage Profit Frontier; Production Prices; Computational Techniques;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C61 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Optimization Techniques; Programming Models; Dynamic Analysis
    • C63 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computational Techniques
    • C67 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Input-Output Models
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence

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