Mass Migration and Technological Change

Abstract

This paper studies the effect of emigration on technological change in sending locations after one of the largest migration events in human history, the mass migration from Europe to the United States in the 19th century. To establish causality, we adopt an instrumental variable strategy that combines local growing-season frost shocks with proximity to emigration ports. Using data on patents, we find that emigration led to an increase in innovative activity in sending localities. Using data on capital and labor inputs in agriculture and industry, we find evidence of an increased capital intensity related to new technologies in both sectors. We argue that these results are consistent with theories of induced (labor-saving) innovation due to high labor costs following emigration.

Determinants of Digital Technology Development in Sub-Saharan African Countries; Evidence from Panel Data Analysis

“…Furthermore, highly skilled migrants make substantial contributions to technology innovation, research, and development, particularly in destination countries with higher income levels. Overall, the positive impact of international migration on digital technology development is corroborated by studies such as Andersson et al (2022), Foresti et al (2018, and Burns & Mohapatra (2008). Moreover, the lack of access to digital technology for a substantial portion of the population in the region can hinder the positive effects of international trade on digital technology development.…”