Knowledge-based productivity in ‘low-tech’ industries: evidence from firms in developing countries

Goedhuys, Micheline, Janz, Norbert and Mohnen, Pierre (2008). Knowledge-based productivity in ‘low-tech’ industries: evidence from firms in developing countries. UNU-MERIT.

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UNU-MERIT Working Papers

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  • Author Goedhuys, Micheline
    Janz, Norbert
    Mohnen, Pierre
    Title Knowledge-based productivity in ‘low-tech’ industries: evidence from firms in developing countries
    Publication Date 2008
    Publisher UNU-MERIT
    Abstract Using firm level data from five countries - Brazil, Ecuador, South Africa, Tanzania and Bangladesh - this paper examines the knowledge-based determinants of productivity of firms active in food processing, textiles, and garments and leather products. In particular, it seeks to investigate the importance of various sources of knowledge in explaining productivity in the different industries. The knowledge sources driving productivity performance are very different across sectors. In food processing, firm productivity is most strongly affected by quality of management and foreign ownership linkages. In textiles, firms raise productivity levels by importing new machinery and through research and development. In garments and leather products, R&D and design activities, high quality management and licensing technology from foreign firms are significant productivity determinants. Firms' productivity levels are further depressed by regulatory and financial constraints.
    Keyword Productivity
    Knowledge
    R&D
    Developing countries
    Food processing
    Textiles
    Garments
    Leather
    JEL D24
    L66
    L67
    O14
    O31
    Copyright Holder UNU-MERIT
    Copyright Year 2008
    ISSN 1871-9872
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    Created: Wed, 11 Dec 2013, 15:47:04 JST