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on Information and Communication Technologies |
| By: | Lex Borghans; Bas ter Weel |
| Abstract: | We review the empirical literature about the implications of the computerization of the labor market to see whether it can explain observed computer adoption patterns and (long-term) changes in the wage structure. Evidence from empirical micro studies turns out to be inconsistent with macro studies that are based on CES production functions. We propose a micro foundation for the CES production function that allows for changes in the underlying structure. We adapt the macro model by incorporating computer skills, complementary skills and fixed costs for computer technology usage suggested by the micro literature. It turns out that fixed costs for computer technology usage explain different patterns of computer adoption and diffusion between several types of workers and countries; it also provides very plausible patterns of the timing of wage inequality and developments over time. |
| Keywords: | wage level or structure; computer technology; technology diffusion |
| JEL: | J31 O15 O33 |
| Date: | 2009–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpb:discus:117&r=ict |
| By: | Cavaleri, Pietro; Keren, Michael; Ramello, Giovanni B.; Valli, Vittorio |
| Abstract: | The aim of this article is to report on an experiment in publishing an open access journal and learn from it about the larger field of open access publishing. The experiment is the launch of the European Journal of Comparative Economics (EJCE), an on-line refereed and open access journal, founded in 2004 by the European Association for Comparative Economic Studies and LIUC University in Italy. They embarked upon this project in part to respond to the rising concentration in the market for scientific publishing and the resulting use of market power to raise subscription prices and restrict access to scientific output. We had hoped that open access journals could provide some countervailing power and increase competition in the field. Our experience running a poorly endowed journal has shown that entry to the field may be easy, yet that making it a sustainable enterprise is not straightforward. |
| Keywords: | Open-access publishing, online journals, scientific publication |
| JEL: | L17 L22 L86 O34 |
| Date: | 2009–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uca:ucapdv:118&r=ict |
| By: | Toshihiro Tsuchihashi |
| Abstract: | Two ending rules, a soft close and a hard close, exist in Internet auctions. In hard close auctions, each auction ends with a fixed deadline determined by a seller. In soft close auctions, the end time automatically extends if at least one bid is submitted in the last few minutes, so each buyer has an opportunity to reply to other buyers' bids. The reserve prices set by the seller in hard close auctions are higher than the reserve prices in soft close auctions. The result is consistent with data of DS Lite auctions in Yahoo! Japan. |
| Date: | 2009–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hst:ghsdps:gd08-028&r=ict |