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

Micheline Goedhuys, Norbert Janz () and Pierre Mohnen

No 2008-007, MERIT Working Papers from United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (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.

Keywords: Productivity; Knowledge; R&D; Developing Countries; Food Processing; Textiles; Garments; Leather (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D24 L66 L67 O14 O31 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Knowledge-based productivity in "low-tech" industries: evidence from firms in developing countries (2014)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:unm:unumer:2008007

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