Dynamic Factor Demand Models and Productivity Analysis

111 Pages Posted: 21 Mar 2000 Last revised: 6 Nov 2022

See all articles by M. Ishaq Nadiri

M. Ishaq Nadiri

New York University (NYU) - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Ingmar R. Prucha

University of Maryland; CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute for Economic Research)

Date Written: April 1999

Abstract

In this paper we discuss recent advances in modeling and estimating dynamic factor demand models, and review the use of such models in analyzing the production structure, the determinants of variable and quasi-fixed factors, and productivity growth. The paper also discusses the traditional approach to productivity analysis based on the Divisia index number methodology. Both approaches may be seen as being complementary. The conventional index number approach will measure the rate of technical change correctly if certain assumptions about the underlying technology of the firm and output and input markets hold. The approach is appealing in that it can be easily implemented. However, if the underlying assumptions do not hold, then the conventional index number approach will, in general, yield biased estimates of technical change. The econometric approach based on general dynamic factor demand models allows for a careful testing of various features of a postulated model. Furthermore it not only provides a framework to estimate technical change, but can also yield a rich set of critical information on the structure of production, the dynamics of investment in physical and R&D capital, the effects of spillovers, the depreciation rate of capital, the impact of taxes, expectations, etc. The paper provides both a review of recent methodology developed for the specification and estimation of dynamic factor demand models, as well as a review of recent applications. The paper also explores in terms of a Monte Carlo study how estimates of important characteristics of the production process can be affected by model misspecification. The study suggests that characteristics of the production structure such as scale and technical change are sensitive to model misspecification, and that adopting a simple specification for reasons of convenience may result in serious biases.

Suggested Citation

Nadiri, M. Ishaq and Prucha, Ingmar R., Dynamic Factor Demand Models and Productivity Analysis (April 1999). NBER Working Paper No. w7079, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=205675

M. Ishaq Nadiri (Contact Author)

New York University (NYU) - Department of Economics ( email )

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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Ingmar R. Prucha

University of Maryland ( email )

Department of Ecomics
College Park, MD 20742
United States
301-405-3499 (Phone)
301-405-3542 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.econ.umd.edu/~prucha/

CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute for Economic Research)

Poschinger Str. 5
Munich, DE-81679
Germany

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