Template-type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Goedhuys, Micheline
Author-Email: goedhuys@merit.unu.edu
Author-Workplace-Name: UNU-MERIT and University of Antwerpen
Author-Name: Janz, Norbert
Author-Email: janz@merit.unu.edu
Author-Workplace-Name: UNU-MERIT and Aachen University of Applied Sciences 
Author-Name: Mohnen, Pierre
Author-Email: p.mohnen@merit.unimaas.nl
Author-Workplace-Name: UNU-MERIT and University of Maastricht
Title: Knowledge-based productivity in low-tech industries: evidence from firms in 
	 developing countries.
Abstract: Using firm level data from five countries - Brazil, Ecuador, South 
	 Africa, Tanzania and Bangladesh - this paper examines the 
	 knowledge-based determinants of productivity of firms active in food 
	 processing, textiles, and garments and leather products. In particular, 
	 it seeks to investigate the importance of various sources of knowledge 
	 in explaining productivity in the different industries. The knowledge 
	 sources driving productivity performance are very different across 
	 sectors. In food processing, firm productivity is most strongly affected 
	 by quality of management and foreign ownership linkages. In textiles, 
	 firms raise productivity levels by importing new machinery and through 
	 research and development. In garments and leather products, R&D and 
	 design activities, high quality management and licensing technology from 
	 foreign firms are significant productivity determinants. Firms' 
	 productivity levels are further depressed by regulatory and financial 
	 constraints.
Classification-JEL: D24, L66, L67, O14, O31
Keywords: Productivity, Knowledge, R&D, Developing Countries, Food 
	 Processing, Textiles, Garments, Leather
Series: UNU-MERIT Working Papers
Creation-Date: 2008
Number: 2008-007
File-URL: https://unu-merit.nl/publications/wppdf/2008/wp2008-007.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 275 Kb
Handle: RePEc:unm:unumer:2008007