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.
Domaines
| Origine | Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s) |
|---|---|
| Licence |
