Download This PaperTechnological Standardization, Endogenous Productivity and Transitory Dynamics
56 Pages Posted: 12 Aug 2014
Date Written: August 2014
Abstract
We uncover technological standardization as a microeconomic mechanism which is vital for the implementation of new technologies, in particular general purpose technologies. The interdependencies of these technologies require common rules (“standardization”) to ensure compatibility. Using data on standardization, we are therefore able to identify technology shocks and analyze their impact on macroeconomic variables. First, our results show that technology shocks diffuse slowly and generate a positive S-shaped reaction of output and investment. Before picking up permanently, total factor productivity temporarily decreases, suggesting that the newly adopted technology is incompatible with installed physical, human and organizational capital. Second, standardization can reveal news about future movements of macroeconomic aggregates as evidenced by the positive and immediate reaction of stock market variables to the identified technology shock.
Keywords: technology adoption, business cycle dynamics, standards, aggregate productivity, Bayesian vector autoregressions
JEL Classification: E32, O31, O33
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Justus Baron (Contact Author)
Northwestern University - Center on Law, Business, and Economics ( email )
375 E. Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL IL 60611
United States
HOME PAGE: http://justusbaron.org/
