Pré-Publication, Document De Travail (Working Paper) Année : 2024

The Role of Workers in Knowledge Diffusion Across Firms

Résumé

We study how worker mobility contributes to aggregate productivity growth by diffusing knowledge across firms. We develop a multi-worker-firm framework with random search and on-the-job mobility in which firm productivity improves through in-house innovation and through hiring workers from other firms. Using Swedish matched employer–employee and product-level data, together with event-study evidence based on shift-share international trade shocks, we show that the extent and direction of worker mobility affect firm productivity. We estimate that mobility-driven knowledge diffusion accounts for over 44% of growth in average firm productivity. Our results suggest that lower worker mobility, and more mobility from less productive firms, can depress growth in average firm productivity.

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Dates et versions

hal-04615364 , version 1 (05-12-2025)
hal-04615364 , version 2 (13-04-2026)

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  • HAL Id : hal-04615364 , version 2

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Anders Akerman, Kerstin Holzheu. The Role of Workers in Knowledge Diffusion Across Firms. 2026. ⟨hal-04615364v2⟩
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