Disparities in robot adoption among U.S. manufacturers: a critical economic development challenge

Nancey Green Leigh, Heonyeong Lee and Benjamin Kraft

Industry and Innovation, 2022, vol. 29, issue 9, 1025-1044

Abstract: The growing recognition of industrial robots as a source of innovation and competitiveness for manufacturing is motivating calls for a supportive industrial ecology and policy framework. However, little is known about factors that stimulate robot adoption at the firm level. Based on survey results of 428 manufacturing establishments, this study examines 1) the current diffusion of robotics in manufacturing and 2) establishment- and region-level characteristics associated with robot adoption. Our analysis showsthat while earlier robot adopters were mainly large establishments in the automotive sector, robots are now penetrating small- and medium-sized establishments and other sectors. Furthermore, being in a a region with a large pool of existing robot users and robot-related skilled labour positively affects establishments’ decisions on robot adoption. These trends suggest cumulative advantage (and disadvantage) regarding technology upgrading and a need for policies that can encourage wider adoption of robots.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1080/13662716.2021.2007757

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