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Productivity and ICT: A Review of the Evidence

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  • Draca, Mirko
  • Sadun, Raffaella
  • Van Reenen, John

Abstract

We survey the micro and macro literature on the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on productivity. The “Solow Paradox” of the absence of an impact of ICT on productivity no longer holds, if it ever did. Both growth accounting and econometric evidence suggest an important role for ICTs in accounting for productivity. In fact, the empirical estimates suggest a much larger impact of ICT on productivity than would be expected from the standard neoclassical model that we focus on. We discuss the various explanations for these results, including the popular notion of complementary organizational capital. Finally, we offer suggestions for where the literature needs to go.

Suggested Citation

  • Draca, Mirko & Sadun, Raffaella & Van Reenen, John, 2006. "Productivity and ICT: A Review of the Evidence," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 4561, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:4561
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ict; productivity; organisation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • E22 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Investment; Capital; Intangible Capital; Capacity
    • E23 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Production
    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade

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