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Learning by Doing and Spillovers: Evidence from Firm-Level Panel Data

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  • Salvador Barrios
  • Eric Strobl

Abstract

In this paper we extend the Bahk and Gort (1993) (Journal of Political Economy, 101, 561–583) approach of testing for the impact of learning by doing (LBD) on firm productivity using data on a panel of Spanish manufacturing firms. Specifically, we show that support for firm specific LBD and spillovers from sector-wide LBD seems to hinge crucially on the econometric methodology, and hence the underlying assumptions, employed. Once potential biases due to unobserved time invariant firm specific effects and endogeneity are taken account of, there is only support for spillovers from sector-wide LBD. Moreover, results depend on the definition of LBD employed. Copyright Kluwer Academic Publishers 2004

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  • Salvador Barrios & Eric Strobl, 2004. "Learning by Doing and Spillovers: Evidence from Firm-Level Panel Data," Review of Industrial Organization, Springer;The Industrial Organization Society, vol. 25(2), pages 175-203, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:revind:v:25:y:2004:i:2:p:175-203
    DOI: 10.1007/s11151-004-3536-y
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    Cited by:

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    2. Arie Y Lewin & Silvia Massini & Carine Peeters, 2020. "Absorptive capacity, socially enabling mechanisms, and the role of learning from trial and error experiments: A tribute to Dan Levinthal’s contribution to international business research," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(9), pages 1568-1579, December.
    3. Howell, Anthony, 2018. "Innovation and Firm Performance in the People’s Republic of China: A Structural Approach with Spillovers," ADBI Working Papers 805, Asian Development Bank Institute.
    4. Li, Daiyue & Jin, Yanhong & Cheng, Mingwang, 2024. "Unleashing the power of industrial robotics on firm productivity: Evidence from China," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 224(C), pages 500-520.
    5. Kalkuhl, Matthias & Edenhofer, Ottmar & Lessmann, Kai, 2012. "Learning or lock-in: Optimal technology policies to support mitigation," Resource and Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 34(1), pages 1-23.
    6. Malte Schwoon, 2006. "Learning-by-doing, Learning Spillovers and the Diffusion of Fuel Cell Vehicles," Working Papers FNU-112, Research unit Sustainability and Global Change, Hamburg University, revised Jun 2006.
    7. Lehmann, Paul & Gawel, Erik, 2013. "Why should support schemes for renewable electricity complement the EU emissions trading scheme?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 597-607.
    8. Luca Colombo & Paola Labrecciosa, 2012. "Inter-firm knowledge diffusion, market power, and welfare," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 22(5), pages 1009-1027, November.
    9. Marion Dovis & Juliette Milgram‐Baleix, 2009. "Trade, Tariffs and Total Factor Productivity: The Case of Spanish Firms," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(4), pages 575-605, April.
    10. Sumit Agarwal & John C Driscoll & Xavier Gabaix & David Laibson, 2008. "Learning in the Credit Card Market," Levine's Working Paper Archive 122247000000002028, David K. Levine.
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    12. Malte Schwoon, 2006. "A Tool to Optimize the Initial Distribution of Hydrogen Filling Stations," Working Papers FNU-110, Research unit Sustainability and Global Change, Hamburg University, revised Jun 2006.

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