Cross-Country Technology Diffusion: The Case of Computers

Wilbur Coleman and Francesco Caselli

No 2744, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

Abstract: We use data on imports of computer equipment for a large sample of countries between 1970-90 to investigate the determinants of computer-technology adoption. We find strong evidence that computer adoption is associated with higher levels of human capital and with manufacturing trade openness vis-Ã -vis the OECD. We also find evidence that computer adoption is enhanced by high investment rates, good property rights protection, and a small share of agriculture in GDP. Finally, there is some evidence that adoption is reduced by a large share of government in GDP, and increased by a large share of manufacturing. After controlling for the above-mentioned variables, we do not find an independent role for the English- (or European-) language skills of the population.

Keywords: Computers; Diffusion; Human capital; Knowledge externalities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E10 O30 O40 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2001-03
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (329)

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Journal Article: Cross-Country Technology Diffusion: The Case of Computers (2001)
Working Paper: Cross-Country Technology Diffusion: The Case of Computers (2001)
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