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Comparative advantages in the digital era–A Heckscher-Ohlin-Vanek approach

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  • Stöllinger, Roman
  • Guarascio, Dario

Abstract

This paper revisits the Heckscher-Ohlin-Vanek (HOV) theorem and investigates its fit for digital tasks and ICT capital, which both represent endowment factors that are expected to shape the digital transformation. We use a theory-consistent methodology for calculating the measured net factor content of trade and apply it to a unique dataset on digital and non-digital tasks performed in detailed occupations, as well as recent data on ICT capital stocks. Equipped with these data, we provide new evidence on the factor-based trade patterns for 25 EU countries and use it to test the HOV theorem. Overall, the performance of the sign test and the rank test is good, if not impressive. In 83% of the cases, countries are net exporters of those factors with which they are abundantly endowed, with a higher score achieved for digital tasks than for ICT capital. The relevance of digital tasks and ICT capital is corroborated by a gravity model, which indicates that higher endowments with these factors foster bilateral exports.

Suggested Citation

  • Stöllinger, Roman & Guarascio, Dario, 2023. "Comparative advantages in the digital era–A Heckscher-Ohlin-Vanek approach," International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 63-89.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:inteco:v:175:y:2023:i:c:p:63-89
    DOI: 10.1016/j.inteco.2023.05.002
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Heckscher-ohlin-vanek theorem; Factor content of trade; Comparative advantage; Digital tasks; ICT capital;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F11 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Neoclassical Models of Trade
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • D57 - Microeconomics - - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium - - - Input-Output Tables and Analysis

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