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The determinants of the skill bias in Italy: R&D, organisation or globalisation?

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  • Mariacristina Piva
  • Marco Vivarelli

Abstract

In this study three possible determinants of the increase in the ratio between skilled and unskilled workers are tested together: R&D, organisational change, and foreign direct investment. After analysing the literature, these hypotheses are jointly tested using a SUR estimate. The results - regarding a panel of 488 Italian manufacturing firms over the period 1989-1997 - suggest the statistical significance of the impact of organisational change, while they tend to exclude a direct relation between R&D spending and skill upgrading. With reference to FDIs, the nature of the data and the results do not permit the exclusion of their possible influence.

Suggested Citation

  • Mariacristina Piva & Marco Vivarelli, 2004. "The determinants of the skill bias in Italy: R&D, organisation or globalisation?," Economics of Innovation and New Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(4), pages 329-347.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:ecinnt:v:13:y:2004:i:4:p:329-347
    DOI: 10.1080/10438590410001629025
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