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Computer Equipment as General Purpose Technologies: The Effects on Productivity in the Italian Case, 1995 – 2002

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In this paper we investigate the impact of computer investments on productivity, and eventually check for the existence of development dynamics stimulating such investments. While a large number of studies can be found at the firm level, there is a substantial lack of analyses at the macro-level. We focus on 28 Italian manufacturing and service sectors, over the period 1995-2002. Controlling for inter-industry spillovers, ICTs investments proved to positively and significantly affect productivity. Moreover those sectors with lower levels of productivity in 1995 showed up higher average annual growth rates of investments in computer equipment. The case for tailored policy actions is eventually discussed.

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  • Quatraro, Francesco, 2006. "Computer Equipment as General Purpose Technologies: The Effects on Productivity in the Italian Case, 1995 – 2002," Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de Martiis LEI & BRICK - Laboratory of Economics of Innovation "Franco Momigliano", Bureau of Research in Innovation, Complexity and Knowledge, Collegio 200608, University of Turin.
    • Handle: RePEc:uto:labeco:200608
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