Dynamic Factor Demands and Technology Measurement under Arbitrary Expectations

We present a dynamic model of factor demands based on expected discounted costs minimization. While making only very mild assumptions on expectations and technology, we are able to establish a duality relationship between contemporary factor demands and the technology, and we provide formula for easily recovering marginal products, returns to scale, and technological change from estimated factor demands. Parametrization and implementation are illustrated in a detailed example.     

Trade,Technology and the Labour Market: The Case of South Africa*

This study advances previous work on the effects of trade and technological change on labour markets within the framework of Heckscher–Ohlin trade theory. We provide evidence for an unskilled labour abundant developing country by employing dynamic heterogeneous panel estimation techniques. For South African manufacturing, trade‐mandated increases in earnings are positive for labour and negative for capital whilst technology‐mandated increases are negative for both factors. We also find it important to take account of endogeneity issues in analysing the impact of technology and price changes on factor returns and in isolating factor‐ and sector‐bias of technological changes.     

Environmental regulation,total factor productivity,and enterprise duration: Evidence from China

Environmental regulation has been confirmed to have an important impact on enterprise productivity, which is regarded as a crucial factor of enterprise duration. However, existing studies have paid little attention to how environmental regulation affects enterprise duration. Using firm‐level data from the Chinese Industrial Enterprises Database (2003–2007) and the stochastic frontier analysis method, we estimate enterprise total factor productivity (TFP) and its four decomposed components (scale efficiency change, technological change, factor allocation efficiency change, and technical efficiency change). Meanwhile, we adopt a comprehensive index to measure the environmental regulation intensity. Furthermore, we use the linear probability model and the proportional hazards model to investigate the effect of environmental regulation on enterprise duration through the mediating role of enterprise TFP. The results show that although environmental regulation per se negatively impacts on enterprise duration, environmental regulation can present a synthetic positive effect on enterprise duration due to its positive effect on enterprise TFP. Specifically, environmental regulation significantly mitigates the scale efficiency and technical efficiency of regulated enterprises. It also stimulates regulated enterprises' technological innovation and improves their factor allocation efficiency. In addition, state‐owned and large‐scale enterprises are more malleable when facing environmental regulations. We propose that the government should encourage enterprises to innovate and improve the allocation efficiency of production factors, so as to achieve the purpose of controlling environmental pollution in stages while extending enterprise duration.     

Structural Models of Factor Demands and Technological Change: An Empirical Assessment of Dynamic Adjustment Specifications for Sectors of the Dutch Economy

In this paper, we combine a translog cost functional form with an adjustment process according to the error correction mechanism to explain the simultaneous determination of factor demands and technological change. To save degrees of freedom in the estimation procedure, we also consider the imposition of restrictions on the matrices of lag parameters and/or the covariance matrix of the disturbances. Using a model selection strategy based on a combination of economic-theoretical considerations and a formal model selection criterion, a model is selected for each of 17 sectors of the Dutch economy. It turns out that, for 14 of the 17 sectors under consideration, a model is chosen that allows the imposition of restrictions with respect to the matrices of lag parameters. A comparison of the present results with those obtained by Lesuis and de Boer reveals that the application of more general dynamic structures leads to results that are more in accordance with economic theory.     

Determinants of total factor productivity in former Soviet Union economies: A stochastic frontier approach

This paper investigates the process of GDP generation in former Soviet Union (FSU) economies to provide an understanding of the impact of technology channels on countries’ efficiency. We apply a stochastic frontier approach to 15 FSU economies over the period 1995–2008 and find that FDI and human capital improve countries’ technical efficiency. Furthermore, we show that these factors also have a positive impact on total factor productivity (TFP), which, in turn, improves real GDP growth. Hence, our results suggest that FSU countries should promote public policies that provide incentives to attract foreign investment and enhance domestic education in order to improve their economic growth. Additionally, our empirical evidence argues against the resource curse hypothesis. We also show, by computing efficiency change and technological change indices at the country level, that FSU economies benefit more from exploiting technological progress than from catching up to the best practice frontier.     

A model of task demands,social structure,and leader–member exchange and their relationship to job satisfaction

In the present study, we examine task demands, leader–member exchange, and social structure in their relationship to job satisfaction. Based on the reflections of Seers and Graen in their dual attachment model, in the present study we combined task demands, leader–member exchange, and social structure in a model of antecedents of job satisfaction. The resulting model was tested using structural equation modelling. While task demands and leader–member exchange are related to their respective equivalents in job satisfaction, social structure is positively related to a latent factor job satisfaction, indicating that the social structure of a job has an impact on different facets of job satisfaction. The results are discussed with respect to sample characteristics.     

Incorporating Price-Induced Innovation in a Symmetric Generalised McFadden Cost Function with Several Outputs

This paper proposes a multiple-output Symmetric Generalised McFadden (SGM) cost function, incorporating both exogenous and endogenous technological change. Whilst exogenous technological change is captured by the usual time trend, endogenous or price-induced technological change is cast within a partial-adjustment framework involving lagged input prices. The study points to various dimensions or components of technological change, and allows to disentangle pure factor substitution, given the state of the technology, from factor substitution due to price-induced changes in technology. Under the conditions of non-jointness in input quantities, the model further allows to identify technological change biases for each output separately. An empirical application is presented in which the proposed model is applied to time-series data on the feed manufacturing industry in Belgium. To improve on the econometrics, the SGM cost function also incorporates linear splines.     

中国出口技术含量地域结构变迁及变化动因

研究目标:廓清中国分企业所有制的出口技术含量地域结构及变化动因。研究方法:基于区分内外资全球投入产出模型的出口技术含量和反事实分析法。研究发现:中国内外资企业出口中来自(内资企业)国内技术含量的比重逐渐强化，表明中国出口实现了一定程度的本土技术升级。对计算机业分析发现，其出口国外技术含量地域结构具有稳定性，但趋于下降，而来自内资企业国内技术含量的贡献不断上升。质和量均对中国出口国内技术含量具有正向促进效应，但更多依赖最终生产工序技术含量的提升。研究创新:首次将中国内外资企业生产异质性纳入分析范畴，科学分析出口技术含量地域结构变迁及变化动因。研究价值:准确理解中国对外贸易技术含量水平与升级。     

基于随机误差分析的索洛模型改进及其在中国的实证分析

通过对索洛余值计算方式的改进,在原先定义的生产函数下增添了误差项,将得出后的技术进步率进行方差分析,并将产出、要素投入、技术进步以外的一些难以把握的因素,如制度的变动、宏观调控政策的变化的差异等用生产函数中一个偏差项来代替,使得中国技术进步的结果更贴近事实。并通过对索洛余值的实证分析,总结出近些年中国技术进步的发展特点及发展速度。     

Technical Change in the Private Consumption Converter

The analysis of technological change is centered on the study of the evolution of technical coefficients in the input–output table. Complementary to this analysis, the household consumption expenditure matrix, relating consumption by commodities to consumption by purpose or by function, also incorporates some other aspects of technological change. Thus, the evolution in time of the coefficients of this consumption expenditure matrix will portray technological processes, implying substitutions between commodities to satisfy the different functions The substitution between consumption expenditure by functions is also to be taken into consideration, because it can influence, together with technological change, the use of commodities in the final demand. For Switzerland, a 1980–89 time series of household consumption expenditure matrices with 37 commodities and 58 functional consumption categories has been estimated using data from consumer expenditure surveys. In this paper, instruments generally applied to the analysis of changes in input–output technical coefficients are extended to these matrices, including methods that deal with biproportional processes of substitution.     

Evaluation of efficiency in Colombian hospitals: An analysis for the post-reform period

In this study we analyze the performance of 602 level 1 Colombian hospitals for the period 2009–2013. The analysis is carried out from both static and temporal perspectives in order to evaluate the evolution of total factor productivity (change in hospital performance) and its components throughout the period. The study also explores a question relevant not only to the Colombian health system, but to many others around the world, of whether primary care centers excessively refer patients to high-level hospitals, thereby negatively affecting the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of all healthcare service provision. The results demonstrated that adjusted production (service provision) and levels of quality and referrals to higher-level hospitals could be improved, on average, by 44%. This increase in health service provision levels and their quality can be achieved by reducing personnel expenditure (by an average of 22%), expenditure on medicines (by 20%), and purchasing expenses (by 11%). The temporal analysis shows that total factor productivity (hospital performance change) worsened by 1% during the period, mainly due to the technological backlash experienced despite a slightly positive evolution in efficiency.     

Decomposition of Technological Change and Factor Bias in Indian Power Sector: An Unbalanced Panel Data Approach

Technological change and factor bias in the Indian power sector are analyzed using a translog cost function. Various components of technological progress and factor bias are identified and estimated, using a 21 year unbalanced panel data of Indian states and union territories. Heterogeneity across states is incorporated in the model using a variance component model. Appropriate corrections are made for unbalanced panel data. Empirical results show that the annual average rate of technological progress has been 2.4% for the country as a whole. Accumulation of knowledge and increasing scale are found to be the major factors contributing to technological progress. In contrast, the effects of factor price changes and fixed capital accumulation on technological progress have been unfavorable. Pure factor bias measure indicate saving in the use of fuel and labor, and increased use of materials. Tests are performed to check the curvature properties of the underlying technology.     

Technical efficiency and region The U.S. manufacturing sector 1972–1977

In this paper we estimate the extent of technological bias in an interregional context for U.S. manufacturing during the period 1972–1977 using a factor augmenting production function approach. We present estimates of the elasticity of factor substitution for each of the 48 states in the sample using a variable elasticity of substitution production function. Next, we use these estimates to generate estimates of the rates of change in the efficiencies of capital and labor inputs and compare these estimates across states and census regions. We also examine and compare estimates of total factor productivity across states and regions. We ,find that the average annual rates of growth of capital efficiency during the period are 5.5 percent in the Northeast, 5.3 percent in the Northcentral, 5.6 percent in the West and 3.1 percent in the South. The rates of change of the efficiencies of labor are found to be negative across all regions except the South. The rates of change of total factor productivity are found to be 1.7 percent in the Northeast, 2.3 percent in the Northcentral, 2.4 percent in the West and 1.7 percent in the South. We also find that between 33 percent and 56 percent of the growth of output across regions is due to technical progress.     

Technological Change and Transition: Relative Contributions to Worldwide Growth During the 1990s*

In this paper we use the Kumar and Russell [American Economic Review (2002) Vol. 92, pp. 527–548] growth‐accounting procedure to examine cross‐country growth during the 1990s. Using a data set comprising developed, newly industrialized, developing and transitional economies, we decompose the growth of output per worker into components attributable to technological catch‐up, technological change and capital accumulation. In contrast to the study by Kumar and Russell, which concludes that capital deepening is the major force of growth and change in the world income per worker distribution over the 1965–90 period, our analysis shows that, during the 1990s, the major force in the further divergence of the rich and the poor is due to technological change, whereas capital accumulation plays a lesser and opposite role. Finally, although on average we find that transitional economies perform similar to the rest of the world, the procedure is able to discover some interesting patterns within the set of transitional countries.     

适应岗位需求,培养一专多能的复合型专业人才——职业学校计算机专业的课程设置改革初探

计算机专业课程设置脱离实际,不能满足单位的软硬件技术运用需求。因此必须进行课程改革。应开设可持续发展的课程,增强课程的灵活性,形成模块化、弹性化的课程体系,能满足行业多岗位转换甚至岗位工作内涵变化、发展所需的知识和能力。课程设置要切实保证"多证书"制度,强化学生职业能力训练,综合开发学生的职业能力。     

中国制造业技能偏向技术进步的测度与分析

技能偏向技术进步已成为理解各国普遍存在的技能劳动需求分化和技能溢价的关键性因素。采取Malmquist-TFP指数分解方法,测度技术进步偏向性,发现我国制造业并非全部都存在技能偏向技术进步,技术进步技能偏向也没有表现出线性增长趋势,而是呈现出较大的波动性。对技能偏向技术进步演变机制的研究发现,技能劳动供给增长增强了技能偏向技术进步,但国际贸易对其促进作用仅仅在高技术和低技术行业中存在。     

Technological capabilities,resilience capabilities and organizational effectiveness

Abstract

Previous research has defined resilience as a desirable characteristic for an organization and its members to possess when circumstances adversely change. Resilience is analysed through different perspectives as organizational responses to external threats, organizational reliability or employee strengths. However, the role of resilience in enhancing organizational effectiveness is not fully understood. Grounded in organizational ambidexterity, the current research tests the value of resilience capabilities developed through specific Human Resource Practices (HRPs) in the context of ever-changing market conditions. This paper argues that as well as technological capabilities, HRPs that build resilience within an organization are needed to successfully implement technological change. Resilience capabilities are a mediating factor between technological capabilities and organizational effectiveness, whilst environment dynamism and competitive intensity are moderators of this relationship. Using a primary sample of 205 manufacturing firms, a model is presented and tested using Structural Equation Modelling. The results reinforce the importance of HRPs in building resilience which helps firms to continuously adjust to change and subsequently enhance their organizational effectiveness.     

基于前沿生产函数的黑龙江省煤炭城市的技术效率研究

本论文针对黑龙江省经济增长数量很大但经济增长质量不高的现状,采用随机前沿方法,分析了黑龙江省4个煤炭城市10年的技术效率。结果表明,黑龙江省各煤炭城市的技术效率普遍不高,但都呈现稳步上升的趋势。在要素投入不变的情况下,改变经济增长方式,提高技术效率水平,将成为黑龙江省今后经济发展的一个重要方向。     

Productivity,Technology and Economic Growth: What is the Relationship?

The relationship between productivity, technology and economic growth has been debated extensively in the endogenous growth, growth accounting, New Economy and policy literature. This paper briefly surveys the literature on total factor productivity (TFP) calculations – the various techniques and problems associated with it. We argue that TFP is not a measure of technological change and only under ideal conditions does it measure the supernormal profits associated with technological change. The critical driving force of economic growth is not the super normal profits that technological change generates but rather the continuous creation of opportunities for further technological development. Six illustrations of when TFP fails to correctly measure these super normal profits are provided. A version Carlaw and Lipsey's (2003b) model of endogenous general purpose technology‐ driven growth is then utilized to make some progress toward answering Prescott's (1998) call for a theory of TFP. The model is used to simulate artificial data and connect theoretical assumptions of returns to scale and resource costs to the conditions under which TFP miss‐measures the actual growth of technological knowledge.     

湖南企业加强产学研结合需求的实证研究

文章从统计数据分析和调研分析角度对湖南企业加强产学研结合的需求进行了实证研究。得出结论:加强产学研结合,是湖南企业解决目前自身创新资源不足与技术短缺,提高技术创新能力的内在需求和解决外部生存压力的现实需要与选择。