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on Information and Communication Technologies |
| By: | Flavio Calvino; Luca Fontanelli |
| Abstract: | In this work we characterise French firms using artificial intelligence (AI) and explore the link between AI use and productivity. We distinguish AI users that source AI from external providers (AI buyers) from those developing their own AI systems (AI developers). AI buyers tend to be larger than other firms, but this relation is explained by ICT-related variables. Conversely, AI developers are larger and younger beyond ICT. Other digital technologies, digital skills and infrastructure play a key role for AI use, with AI developers leveraging more specialised ICT human capital than AI buyers. Overall, AI users tend to be more productive, however this is related to the self-selection of more productive and digital-intensive firms into AI use. This is not the case for AI developers, for which the positive link between AI use and productivity remains evident beyond selection. |
| Keywords: | technology diffusion, artificial intelligence, digitalisation, productivity |
| JEL: | D20 J24 O14 O33 |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11466 |
| By: | Tranos, Emmanouil; Kitsos, Tasos; Wolf, Levi John (University of Bristol) |
| Abstract: | The discussion about the productivity gains from digital technologies is almost as old as digital technologies themselves. From early futuristic approaches to the various forms of the productivity paradox, there are still open questions regarding if and how the internet can lead to positive economic effects as well as their spatial heterogeneity. The usual caveat to unpack this relationship is data about internet usage that is detailed enough to be linked both to economic outputs and places. We develop a multilevel modelling framework and combine firm-level microdata with novel internet speed microdata illustrating how connectivity has been experienced by end-users. Although it is not possible to directly observe the online activities of individuals, these data allow us to approximate business usage. Additionally, we can distinguish between upload and download speeds, which is important as these channels can support different internet functions (e.g. video streaming vs. synchronous communications). We then observe firms, their productivity, and other firm characteristics and estimate the firm productivity effects of broadband speeds after accounting for spatial effects and platial characteristics, which are also associated with the underpinning digital divides. We find that increases in a place's internet speeds can lead to higher firm productivity whilst the opposite holds for instability of internet speeds. These results vary by sector and firm characteristics. Our results have significant policy implications, highlighting the economic impact of high-speed internet infrastructure planning decisions and presenting policymakers with a clear efficiency vs. equity trade-off. |
| Date: | 2024–12–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:va375 |
| By: | Cäcilia Lipowski |
| Abstract: | Firms in developed countries face increasing shortages of young workers. This paper studies the importance of young workers, particularly vocational trainees, for firm technology investments. Leveraging exogenous variation in trainee supply caused by an education reform in Germany in 2001, I show that a reduction in trainee supply decreases firm technology investments. This suggests complementarity between young workers and new technologies. Consistent with firms’ lower opportunity costs and higher returns to training young workers than incumbents, the effect is driven by firms exposed to new tech skills. These findings dampen hopes of counteracting labor shortages by substituting labor with capital. |
| Keywords: | endogenous technological change, labor shortages, firm investments, capital adjustment costs, vintage-specific skills |
| JEL: | D22 D24 J21 J24 O33 |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11471 |
| By: | David G. Blanchflower; Alex Bryson |
| Abstract: | Growing evidence from around the world suggests the mental health of children and young adults is declining. We examine trends in mental health in Africa where there has been little prior work. We examine data from a number of surveys including Afrobarometers, the Gallup World Poll, the World Values Surveys, UNICEF’s Multiple Cluster Indicator Surveys and Global Minds. We find little support for the proposition that the age structure of wellbeing in Africa has changed over the last decade, although the Global Minds surveys, conducted over the internet, do find mental health improves with age. One potential reason for this is the limited amount of internet access in Africa, especially for women. In countries like Burkina Faso and Guinea the majority of the population say they have never accessed the internet. In a new survey in rural Tanzania, where there is little or no internet access, mental health improves with age. The absence of the internet might help explain why the mental health of young Africans have been declining less than elsewhere other than for the internet savvy. However, there are dangers on the horizon as the sales of smartphones explode in Africa. |
| JEL: | I31 J13 |
| Date: | 2024–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33280 |
| By: | Banu Demir; Beata Javorcik; Piyush Panigrahi; Banu Demir Pakel; Beata Smarzynska Javorcik |
| 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 supplier 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. |
| Keywords: | digitalization, production networks, supply chains |
| JEL: | L14 O33 R12 D83 H54 F14 D22 F15 L86 R58 O18 C63 Q55 E22 H41 |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11567 |
| By: | Caria, Andrea (University of Cagliari); Di Liberto, Adriana (University of Cagliari); Pau, Sara (University of Sassari) |
| Abstract: | We used data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic to examine how Italian upper secondary schools organized their activities for remote learning (RL). We conducted a three-level survey, administering questionnaires to each institution's students (11th and 13th graders, 11, 154 students), 3, 905 teachers, and 105 principals. We describe how schools adjusted to the pandemic to ensure learning effectiveness during RL, how teachers and principals managed the transition from traditional to online teaching, and the perceptions of students, teachers, and principals regarding the effectiveness of RL. The analysis stresses Italian schools' challenges in changing teaching styles during RL and identifies individual and school-level inequality patterns. It also underscores a significant gap between teachers' perceptions of their digital skills and the actual use of ICT in class during RL activities. Results identify a positive and robust relationship between the student's perceptions of learning and other outcomes related to student success with the use of innovative teaching methodologies and appropriate organizational innovations, and the adoption of specific teachers' training. |
| Keywords: | remote learning, COVID-19, socio-economic disparities |
| JEL: | I21 I24 O33 |
| Date: | 2024–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17545 |
| By: | Samir Mirdasse (Université Ibn Zohr = Ibn Zohr University [Agadir]) |
| Abstract: | The evolution of information technologies (IT) has reshaped human resource management (HRM), highlighting the significance of human resources information systems (HRIS) for organizational performance. The combination of human-organization-technology (HOT-fit) and technology-organization-environment (TOE) frameworks offers a holistic perspective integrating dimensions of HRIS. The objective is to propose a conceptual model to predict its usage, with a methodology based on an exhaustive literature review. The model incorporates human, organizational, technological, and environmental dimensions. Findings underscore the importance of alignment among these dimensions to foster effective HRIS utilization. The discussion illuminates the complexity of interactions among these dimensions, with practical and theoretical implications for enhancing existing predictive models. In conclusion, the research offers an integrative model to forecast HRIS usage, identifying avenues for future research. These findings reinforce the need for a contextual approach for effective HRIS implementation, emphasizing the importance of considering organizational specificities. |
| Abstract: | L'évolution des technologies de l'information (TI) a remodelé la gestion des ressources humaines (GRH), mettant en évidence l'importance des systèmes d'information ressources humaines (SIRH) pour la performance organisationnelle. La combinaison des cadres humain-organisation-technologie (HOT-fit) et technologie-organisation-environnement (TOE) offre une perspective holistique intégrant les dimensions du SIRH. L'objectif est de proposer un modèle conceptuel pour prédire son utilisation, avec une méthodologie reposant sur une revue exhaustive de la littérature. Le modèle intègre les dimensions humaines, organisationnelles, technologiques et environnementales. Les résultats soulignent l'importance de l'alignement entre ces dimensions pour favoriser l'utilisation efficace du SIRH. La discussion met en lumière la complexité des interactions entre ces dimensions, avec des implications pratiques et théoriques pour améliorer les modèles prédictifs existants. En conclusion, la recherche propose un modèle intégratif pour prédire l'utilisation du SIRH, identifiant des pistes pour des recherches futures. Ces découvertes renforcent la nécessité d'une approche contextuelle pour une mise en oeuvre efficace des SIRH, soulignant l'importance de tenir compte des spécificités organisationnelles. |
| Keywords: | HRIS, HOT-fit, TOE, Integrative conceptual model, Usage prediction, SIRH, Modèle conceptuel intégratif, Prédiction de l'utilisation |
| Date: | 2024–06–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04853863 |