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Automation, firms, and workers: Evidence from South Africa

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Listed:
  • Michael Kilumelume
  • Justice Tei Mensah
  • Aimable Nsabimana
  • Kunal Sen

Abstract

We examine the effects of automation on firm performance and the labour market in the context of an emerging economy. To do this, we leverage unique administrative data on the universe of manufacturing firms in South Africa to identify causal evidence of firm-level outcomes from automation adoption. In the event-study design, we derive direct effects of automation on automating firms, the spillover effects on non-automating firms, and employment within the industry and location.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Kilumelume & Justice Tei Mensah & Aimable Nsabimana & Kunal Sen, 2025. "Automation, firms, and workers: Evidence from South Africa," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2025-61, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2025-61
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Acemoglu, Daron & Koster, Hans & Ozgen, Ceren, 2023. "Robots and Workers: Evidence from the Netherlands," CEPR Discussion Papers 17993, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    2. Sun, Liyang & Abraham, Sarah, 2021. "Estimating dynamic treatment effects in event studies with heterogeneous treatment effects," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 225(2), pages 175-199.
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