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A Tale of Two Sics: Japanese and American Industrialization in Historical Perspective

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  • John Tang

Abstract

Late developing countries are able to adopt best practice technologies pioneered abroad, allowing more rapid convergence toward leading economies. Meiji Japan (1868-­-1912) is considered a successful example of industrial convergence, but much of the evidence relies on national aggregates or selected industries. Using historical industry data, this paper examines whether Japan adopted new technologies faster compared to the United States. Contrary to conventional wisdom, duration analysis indicates that new sectors did not appear relatively sooner in Japan; however, they did grow to economic significance faster. Higher firm capitalization and capital intensity are also associated with earlier entry for Japanese sectors.

Suggested Citation

  • John Tang, 2016. "A Tale of Two Sics: Japanese and American Industrialization in Historical Perspective," CEH Discussion Papers 045, Centre for Economic History, Research School of Economics, Australian National University.
    • Handle: RePEc:auu:hpaper:045
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    File URL: https://cbe.anu.edu.au/researchpapers/CEH/WP201602.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. OHYAMA Atsushi, 2017. "Industry Growth through Spinoffs and Startups," Discussion papers 17057, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    convergence; industry classification; survival analysis; technology adoption and diffusion;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N11 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - U.S.; Canada: Pre-1913
    • N15 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - Asia including Middle East
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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