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on Information and Communication Technologies |
| By: | Wendt, Charlotte; Adam, Martin; Benlian, Alexander; Kraus, Sascha |
| Abstract: | COVID-19 caused significant challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the event industry. To address these challenges, many SMEs leveraged information and communication technologies (ICTs), with some even emerging strengthened from the crisis. Drawing on the technology-organization-environment framework and technology-affordances-and-constraints theory, we investigate the adoption of ICTs as a crisis response strategy in 10 SMEs in the German business event (e.g., corporate events, conferences) industry. Our findings reveal that ICT adoption not only depends on rational decisions based on organizational, environmental, and technological characteristics, but also on these dimensions’ interrelationship and the specific ICTs’ affordances and constraints. Introducing readily available ICTs (e.g., video-conferencing) has significant potential in addressing physical distancing in the short and medium term, while more sophisticated ICTs (e.g., virtual reality) are more likely to gain importance in the long term. Thus, we expand our understanding of organizational technology adoption and ICT-enabled crisis response strategies in SMEs. |
| Date: | 2024–12–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dar:wpaper:150918 |
| By: | Laetitia Hauret; Ursula Holtgrewe; Sandra M. Leitner (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw); Ludivine Martin |
| Abstract: | This paper analyses the impact of different types of offshoring and technological change as well as the mediating role of trade union representation at the firm level on the quality of workers’ jobs in the EU in terms of atypical employment, which is further differentiated by type of atypical employment (i.e. temporary contracts and involuntary part-time work) as well as self-reported skills mismatch. It uses worker-firm-level data from the 2015 and 2021 European Working Conditions Surveys (EWCSs) merged with industry-level data on offshoring; the information and communication technologies (ICT) asset types of information technology (IT), communication technology (CT), and software and database (DB) technology; and robotisation. The results show that a worker’s likelihood of being in atypical employment is related to both forces analysed but in different ways, as there is a higher probability of being in atypical employment due to offshoring or IT but a lower probability of being in atypical employment due to CT. The two types of atypical employment are affected differently, with strong differences being found between workers in manufacturing and services industries. Both forces are of limited importance for workers’ self-reported skills mismatch and, as such, only temporarily lead to over-skilling in the case of offshoring but to under-skilling in the case of technological change. Trade union representation at the firm level only plays a limited mediating role in the likelihood that workers are either in atypical employment or report a skills mismatch. |
| Keywords: | Trade unions, offshoring, technological change, atypical employment, skills mismatch, multilevel analysis |
| JEL: | F16 F22 F66 |
| Date: | 2024–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wii:wpaper:258 |
| By: | Jerbashian, Vahagn |
| Abstract: | I estimate a nested CES production function for 9 European countries over 1996- 2020 using EU KLEMS data, distinguishing between information and communication technologies (ICT), intellectual property (IP) capital, and traditional capital. I assume that the aggregate output is produced using labor and these capital types and allow for differences in the elasticities of substitution between labor, an aggregate of ICT and IP capital, and traditional capital. The estimated elasticity of substitution between ICT and IP capital is strictly below one implying gross complementarity. ICT and IP capital together are gross substitutes for labor while traditional capital is a gross complement. The results imply that the fast pace of technological progress and accumulation in ICT and IP capital are responsible for almost the entire fall in labor income share. The imputed labor-aggregate capital elasticity exceeds 1, rising from 1996 to 2008 and falling afterward. |
| Keywords: | CES Production Function, Elasticities of Substitution, System of Equations, ICT, IP Capital, Traditional Capital |
| JEL: | E22 E25 J23 O33 |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:glodps:1523 |
| By: | Mr. Serhan Cevik; Sadhna Naik; Keyra Primus |
| Abstract: | European countries are lagging behind in productivity growth, with significant productivity gaps across industries. In this study, we use comparable industry-level data to explore the patterns and sources of total factor productivity (TFP) growth across 28 countries in Europe over the period 1995–2020. Our empirical results highlight four main points: (i) TFP growth is driven largely by the extent to which countries are involved in scientific and technological innovation as the leader country or benefiting from stronger knowledge spillovers; (ii) the technological gap is associated with TFP growth as countries move towards the technological frontier by adopting new innovations and technologies; (iii) increased investment in information and communications technology (ICT) capital and research and development (R&D) contributes significantly to higher TFP growth; and (iv)the impact of human capital tends to be stronger when a country is closer to the technological frontier. The core findings of this study call for policy measures and structural reforms to promote innovation and facilitate the diffusion of new and existing technologies across Europe. |
| Keywords: | Total factor productivity; technology; R&D; innovation; human capital; Europe |
| Date: | 2024–12–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2024/258 |
| By: | Mark Vancauteren (Universiteit Hasselt); Kevin Randy Chemo Dzukou (INRAE, Nantes); Michael Polder (Statistics Netherlands); Pierre Mohnen (Maastricht University); Javier Miranda (Halle Institute for Economic Research, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena) |
| Abstract: | We study the relationship between ICT, total factor productivity and export at the firm level in Belgium, France and the Netherlands. In particular, we look at whether ICT has both a direct effect on export and an indirect effect via productivity improvements. We allow for endogeneity, unobserved heterogeneity, dynamic feedback, initial conditions and correlations between the time-invariant random effects and between the idiosyncratic random effects. We find similarities but also differences in the effects of ICT on export between the three countries. |
| Keywords: | ICT, productivity, export, firm data, Panel Data, international comparison |
| JEL: | C23 D24 F14 O30 |
| Date: | 2024–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbb:reswpp:202410-462 |
| By: | Banu Demir; Beata Javorcik; Piyush Panigrahi |
| Abstract: | This paper explores how improved internet infrastructure impacts supply chains and economic activity, focusing on Türkiye. Using the expansion of fiber-optic networks and firm-to-firm transaction data, we find that better connectivity shifts input sourcing to well-connected regions and diversifies sup plier networks. We estimate a spatial equilibrium model with endogenous network formation and rational inattention and find that high-speed internet reduced information acquisition and communication costs. Enhanced connectivity increased real income by 2.2% in the median province. Our findings underscore the importance of digital infrastructure investments in fostering economic growth by improving supply chain efficiency and broadening firms’ access to suppliers. |
| Date: | 2024–12–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oxf:wpaper:1061 |
| By: | Zuloaga, Gonzalo; Plückebaum, Thomas; Kulenkampff, Gabriele; Wissner, Matthias |
| Abstract: | This study analyses and quantifies the energy consumption and CO2 emissions associated with operating modern telecommunications access networks, both fixed broadband (FFTH) and mobile networks (4G/5G). To quantify the environmental impacts, specific bottom-up models for the fixed and mobile access network are developed and used to endogenously determine the asset-related quantities of active network elements and their respective energy consumption. The modelling task is carried out for Germany based on household and population data at municipality level from the German Federal Institute for Research on Building and Regional Planning (BBSR), energy consumption data from the EU Code of Conduct on Energy Consumption of Broadband Communication Equipment and the CO2 emission factor for the electricity mix from the German Federal Environment Agency, in order to capture the demand for VHCN fixed and mobile access services. Furthermore, the study investigates how different settlement structures shape the environmental footprint of telecommunications networks. Based on these findings, it is analysed whether the use of mobile networks represents a sustainable strategy for the supply of rural areas in comparison to fixed network technologies. From an environmental perspective, mobile networks, especially 5G, are considered as a possible substitute for the provision of broadband access in rural areas. The analysis shows that, from an environmental perspective, FTTH access networks perform better than mobile access networks. These findings hold for any regional structure but are even more significant for rural areas. The analysis focuses on energy consumption and CO2 emissions of network operations. Deployment-related emissions and spill-over effects induced by using ICT for eco-benefits in other sectors are beyond the scope of this analysis. |
| Abstract: | Die Studie untersucht den Energieverbrauch und die CO2 Emissionen moderner fester (FTTH) und mobiler (4G/5G) Telekommunikationszugangsnetze in Deutschland und überprüft damit die Umweltauswirkungen des Telekommunikationssektors aus dem Netzbetrieb. Zur Quantifizierung werden zwei Bottom-Up Kostenmodelle (für Fest- und Mobilnetz) entwickelt, die die benötigten Netzwerkelements und deren Energiebedarf bestimmen. Die Netze sind für VHCN-Verkehr dimensioniert. Emissionen aus dem Netzausbau werden wegen geringer Relevanz vernachlässigt. Die Studie bestimmt zudem die regionalen Auswirkungen unterschiedlicher Besiedlungsstrukturen auf diese Infrastrukturen und deren Energieverbrauch und erarbeitet ein nuanciertes Verständnis der wechselseitigen Abhängigkeiten und Auswirkungen. Zum Abschluss bewertet die Studie das Potential mobiler Anschlussnetze aus Nachhaltigkeitsgesichtspunkten, FTTH Anschlussnetze substituieren zu können, insbesondere in ländlichen und dünn besiedelten Regionen. FFTH Anschlussnetze sehen sich z.T. vor großen Herausforderung im ländlichen Raum bzgl. der Kosten zum Zugang entlegender Häuser, für die 5G ein Ersatz sein könnte. Dazu werden die betrieblichen CO2 Emissionen beider Anschlusstechniken miteinander verglichen. Darüber hinaus gehende indirekte Auswirkung aus der Nutzung von IKT-Tools zur Energieeinsparung in anderen Sektoren werden nicht betrachtet, weil sie von der Wahl der Anschlussnetze nicht berührt werden. Im Ergebnis sind die FTTH Anschlussnetze aus der ökologischen Perspektive über alle Regioklassen deutlich besser, und dies insbesondere in den dünn besiedelten ruralen Bereichen. |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:wikwps:308078 |
| By: | Kässi, Otto |
| Abstract: | Abstract This Etla brief introduces a method for comparing the maturity of national data economies using a composite indicator. We assess the data economy from three perspectives: the prerequisites set by the public sector, the utilization of data, and the innovation impacts within the data economy. Combined, these three sub-indicators form the Databarometer. The chosen metrics draw from publicly available data sources and cover elements such as ICT expertise, the use of artificial intelligence technologies, and data driven startups. The various indicators are integrated into a single composite indicator using the Digibarometer calculation framework developed at ETLA. Both the framework and the underlying data are openly available and well-documented, ensuring that the calculations can be easily replicated. |
| Keywords: | Data economy, Composite indicators, Digital innovation, Artificial intelligence, ICT capital |
| JEL: | O33 L86 |
| Date: | 2024–12–18 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rif:briefs:149 |
| By: | Sandra M. Leitner (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw); Alireza Sabouniha (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw) |
| Abstract: | This paper analyses the effect on employment of two megatrends offshoring (the international outsourcing of production stages) and technological change, in general and by type of employment in terms of typical and atypical employment in a group of ‘old’ and ‘new’ EU member states between 2009 and 2018, and also examines the moderating role of labour market institutions and regulation in the EU, specifically employment protection legislation (EPL). The results show that offshoring had a negative effect on employment in the manufacturing sector, but a positive effect on employment in the service sector. The former was due to a reduction in typical employment and the latter to an increase in atypical employment, making offshoring an important driver of the expansion of atypical employment in the service sector. Information and communications technology, especially communications technology, has increased total employment, mainly through an increase in the demand for atypical employment, for which it is another important driver. Robotisation had a labour displacement effect, mainly at the expense of typical employment, which was more pronounced in the ‘old’ EU member states than in the less automated ‘new’ EU member states. EPL played an important mediating role it dampened employment adjustments due to offshoring of the more protected type of employment and encouraged stronger adjustments of the less protected type of employment. Conversely, strict EPL acted as an amplifier of the negative effect of robotisation on employment. |
| Keywords: | Offshoring, robotisation, information and communications technology, labour demand, typical and atypical employment |
| JEL: | F16 F22 F66 |
| Date: | 2024–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wii:wpaper:259 |
| By: | Zöll, Anne |
| Abstract: | Companies‘ data-driven digital services rely on the collection of personal data and its processing by self-learning algorithms. With the help of machine learning, companies can offer personalized services tailored to customer needs. As a result of the intensive collection of personal information by companies, customers have a sense of loss of control over their own personal information. They also have high privacy concerns about data handling. These concerns are amplified by high-profile data breaches such as the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Consequently, customers are increasingly hesitant to share their personal data with these companies, which could pose a risk to data-driven digital services. A smaller amount of data could compromise the performance of algorithms and thus reduce the quality of data-driven digital services. Therefore, the stated goal of this dissertation is to establish the complex balance between protecting customers‘ privacy and improving value creation processes. Thus, the central research question of this dissertation is how companies can mitigate the dilemma between protecting individual privacy and enhancing data-driven digital services. This dissertation examines the issue from three different perspectives: technological, individual, and organizational. Over the past decades, privacy-enhancing technologies have been developed. These information and communication technologies protect individuals‘ privacy either by removing or minimizing personal information or by preventing unnecessary or unwanted processing of personal information while maintaining the functionality of information systems. Despite the advanced implementation of these privacy-enhancing technologies, they are rarely used in data-driven digital services. Therefore, this dissertation provides an overview of the reasons why these privacy-enhancing technologies are only reluctantly adopted by companies. In particular, it highlights the barriers that arise when integrating these technologies into data-driven digital services. Thus, this dissertation demonstrates that a purely technological solution is not sufficient to fully answer the research question. This is the starting point of this dissertation, which aims to find a solution to mitigate the aforementioned dilemma. As privacy concerns are primarily customer-driven, this dissertation focuses on individuals as a further perspective. This perspective aims to examine how companies should design data-driven digital services to alleviate customer privacy concerns. To achieve this goal, the dissertation draws on theories from privacy research, focusing on individuals‘ control over their personal information and trust in data-driven digital services. Essentially, design principles are developed that are necessary to create data-driven digital services that allow individuals to regain control over their personal data. Furthermore, this dissertation continues to develop design principles to enhance costumers‘ trust in data-driven digital services, especially those based on machine learning. As a third perspective, organizations are included, particularly examining how machine learning can be integrated into companies‘ value creation process to build data-driven digital services. The focus of this research is to identify the factors that either support or hinder the integration of machine learning into companies‘ value creation processes. Although many factors for the adoption of innovations have been examined in previous literature, a re-examination is important because the characteristics of machine learning are significantly different from other technologies. For instance, vast amounts of personal information are processed to generate personalized recommendations for individuals. The ability of machine learning to uncover hidden patterns can lead to the inadvertent disclosure of sensitive personal information, thereby intensifying privacy concerns. Additionally, this dissertation builds on previous research that highlights differences in the acceptance of innovations in different cultures and examines which different factors are important for the adoption of machine learning in data-driven digital services in different cultures. In this regard, this dissertation applies the organizational readiness concept for artificial intelligence within cultural research to gain deeper insights into this intersection. In summary, this dissertation presents three important perspectives that aim to alleviate the dilemma between the protection of individuals‘ privacy and the use of machine learning for value creation in companies. It deals with privacy-enhancing technologies, prioritizes user-centered approaches, and the strategic design of value creation processes within companies. Particularly driven by the three perspectives, this dissertation motivates the development of a multilevel theory that aim to enable a holistic approach to alleviate the dilemma between privacy protection and value creation by bringing together technology, individuals, and organizations. |
| Date: | 2024–12–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dar:wpaper:150796 |
| By: | IKEDA Yuichi; AOYAMA Hideaki; HATSUDA Tetsuo; HIDAKA Yoshimasa; SHIRAI Tomoyuki; SOUMA Wataru; IYETOMI Hiroshi; Abhijit CHAKRABORTY; FUJIHARA Akihiro; NAKAYAMA Yasushi; ARAI Yuta; Krongtum SANKAEWTONG |
| Abstract: | Realizing a cyber-physical economy requires dealing with the problems of the digital society that have arisen with the development of information technology. This study systematizes the mathematical basis for detecting anomalies for a dynamic graph, a network representation of relationships among nodes of crypto asset transactions and changes as time passes, based on graph theory, topology, and high-dimensional statistical analysis, to answer the three research questions: (1) Are there leading indicators of transactions that precede prices? (2) Is there a correlation between the velocity of circulation and prices? (3) Is there a herding phenomenon in the transaction network? Here, we define “anomaly†as large price fluctuations that affect transactions. The multiple methods above are applied to dynamic graphs during higher priced periods of crypto asset transactions to estimate individual anomaly indicators. We verify the effectiveness of the various anomaly detection methods by answering the three research questions for a major crypto asset. Finally, we propose a concept for an anomaly detection AI that estimates a comprehensive anomaly indicator by inputting various features from individual analysis methods. |
| Date: | 2024–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eti:dpaper:24085 |
| By: | Peter Windsor; Suzette J Vogelsang; Christiaan Henning; Kerwin Martin; Elias Omondi; Gerardo Rubio; Jooste Steynberg |
| Abstract: | International standards and best practice supports the implementation of a risk-based solvency regime in the regulation and supervision of insurers. Several emerging market and developing economies are transitioning to such a solvency regime or planning to do so. This paper discusses Kenya, Mexico, and South Africa’s journey to putting in place a risk-based solvency regime which had several common elements notwithstanding significantly different insurance sectors. The transition was a multi-year project requiring dedicated additional resources; restructuring of the regulator, including redesigning supervisory processes and tools and upgrading information technology systems; and significantly greater coordination between the regulator and the insurance industry. |
| Keywords: | Insurance; Risk-based Solvency; Risk-based supervision; solvency regime; Penetration rate; RBS project; solvency assessment; RBS implementation; supervision of insurer; Insurance companies; Solvency; Financial statements; Africa; Global |
| Date: | 2024–11–22 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2024/240 |
| By: | Sousso Bignandi (ULiège); Cédric Duprez (Economics and Research Department, National Bank of Belgium); Céline Piton (Economics and Research Department, National Bank of Belgium) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the effects of digitalisation on firm-level employment and workforce composition in Belgium from 2003 to 2019, using a novel dataset that merges ICT expense data with administrative employment records. We find that digitalised firms experienced higher employment growth relative to non-digitalised firms, driven by both increased hiring and higher retention rates. The effect is particularly pronounced in large firms and reflects both faster employment growth in expanding firms and slower declines in shrinking firms. Digitalisation also significantly altered workforce composition, leading to a decrease in the share of low-educated workers and an increase in the share of highly educated workers, alongside shifts in the age distribution towards middle-aged workers. Our analysis employs a long-difference regression approach, well suited to capturing the gradual nature of ICT investments. While endogeneity concerns prevent causal interpretation, we show robust correlations between digitalisation and employment growth. The study contributes to the literature by providing a granular measure of digitalisation at firm level, offering new insights into the dynamics of worker turnover and sectoral differences, and by shedding light on the heterogeneous impact of digitalisation across worker education levels and age groups. |
| Keywords: | Digitalisation, employment, firms |
| JEL: | D22 D25 J21 J24 |
| Date: | 2024–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbb:reswpp:202410-463 |
| By: | Koski, Heli; Anttila, Johannes; Björk, Anna; Djakonoff, Vera; Kässi, Otto; Niemi-Hugaerts, Hanna; Pajarinen, Mika; Parkkari, Jussi-Pekka |
| Abstract: | Abstract Within the scope of the available register data, the role of data in the economy is best estimated using cost-based methods. Our experimental calculations indicate that, in 2021, data-driven work contributed approximately 10 percent of value added, while data investments represented slightly under two percent of Finland’s GDP. The majority of the value in the data economy is generated within the information and communication sector. To better assess the size and impact of the data economy and the effectiveness of public policies aimed at fostering its growth, investments in data collection and statistical methodologies are essential. • Changes in accounting practices and investments in new data collection (such as measuring employees’ time spent on data-driven work) are essential for a more accurate assessment of the size and impact of the data economy. • International collaboration in developing consistent measurement practices and data collection is important to obtain comparable information on the development of Finland’s data economy in an international context • To evaluate public policy initiatives—such as data economy procurement and R&D funding—the identification of data economy-related activities within collected data must be improved. • Additionally, sharing knowledge and best practices across the EU could further stimulate the growth of the data economy. |
| Keywords: | Data, Data economy, Economic impacts |
| JEL: | D24 O3 O5 |
| Date: | 2024–12–18 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rif:briefs:150 |
| By: | Sen, A. |
| Abstract: | I examine the recent productivity growth slowdown and the emergence of digital technologies through the lens of production networks. Digital technologies are increasingly embedded in intermediate inputs, and digital-intensive sectors, often key producers of intermediate and capital goods, amplify the positive effects of these technologies across industries. I show that the slowdown in computer-specific technical change has contributed to the decline in aggregate productivity growth, particularly in digital-intensive service industries, with these effects spreading through the economy via intersectoral linkages. My estimates suggest that this accounts for around 45–55% of the productivity growth slowdown in both the UK and the US since the mid-2000s. I attribute this slowdown largely to structural changes within the computers industry, especially the rising value-added intensity of the sector. In general, production in digital technology-producing industries is characterized by perfect complementarity, explaining the waning effects of digital technologies on aggregate productivity since the mid-2000s. In light of these findings, I take a pessimistic view on the future of productivity growth. |
| Keywords: | digitalization, productivity, production networks, investment-specific technical change |
| JEL: | O30 O33 D57 O47 L86 L23 |
| Date: | 2024–12–13 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cam:camdae:2472 |
| By: | Lukasz Grzybowski (University of Warsaw, Faculty of Economic Sciences); Valentin Lindlacher (TU Dresden); Onkokame Mothobi (University of Witwatersrand) |
| Abstract: | In this paper, we utilize survey data collected in 2017 from 12, 735 individuals across nine Sub-Saharan African countries. We merge the survey data with geographic information related to the proximity of mobile network towers and banking facilities, based on the geo-locations of the respondents. Our estimation approach comprises a two-stage model. In the first stage, consumers make choices between adopting a feature phone or a smartphone. In the second stage, they make decisions regarding the use of mobile money services. Our findings reveal that network coverage significantly influences the adoption of mobile phones. Moreover, we observe that mobile money services are more favored by younger and relatively wealthier individuals for sending money, while older individuals and those with lower incomes tend to use mobile wallets for receiving money. Consequently, mobile money services facilitate younger migrant workers residing in areas with better infrastructure in providing support to their older relatives in less developed regions. |
| Keywords: | Mobile money, Sub-Saharan Africa, Financial inclusion |
| JEL: | O12 O16 O18 O33 L86 L96 |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:war:wpaper:2024-20 |