Upstream, Downstream: Diffusion and Impacts of the Universal Product Code

Emek Basker and Timothy Simcoe

Working Papers from U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies

Abstract: We study the adoption, diffusion, and impacts of the Universal Product Code (UPC) between 1975 and 1992, during the initial years of the barcode system. We find evidence of network effects in the diffusion process. Matched-sample difference-in-difference estimates show that firm size and trademark registrations increase following UPC adoption by manufacturers. Industry-level import penetration also increases with domestic UPC adoption. Our findings suggest that barcodes, scanning, and related technologies helped stimulate variety-enhancing product innovation and encourage the growth of international retail supply chains.

Keywords: Universal Product Code; Barcode; Supply Chain; Network Effects (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D24 L11 L60 O33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 72 pages
Date: 2017-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ino
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

Downloads: (external link)
https://www2.census.gov/ces/wp/2017/CES-WP-17-66R.pdf Revised version, 2020 (application/pdf)
https://www2.census.gov/ces/wp/2017/CES-WP-17-66.pdf First version, 2017 (application/pdf)

Related works:
Journal Article: Upstream, Downstream: Diffusion and Impacts of the Universal Product Code (2021)
Working Paper: Upstream, Downstream: Diffusion and Impacts of the Universal Product Code (2017)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cen:wpaper:17-66

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