Ano: 2007
Código: WPE – 078
Autores/Pesquisadores:
- Rakesh Basant
- Simon Commander
- Rupert Harrison
- Naercio Menezes Filho
Abstract:
This paper uses a unique new data set on nearly a thousand manufacturing firms in Brazil and India to investigate the determinants of ICT adoption and its impact on performance in both countries. The descriptive evidence shows that Brazilian firms on average use ICT more intensively than their Indian counterparts but changes over time have been rather similar in both places. ICT intensity is strongly related to size, ownership structure, share of administrative workers and education. The econometric evidence documents a strong relationship between ICT capital and productivity, even after controlling for several other factors, including firm-specific fixed-effects. The rate of return of ICT investment is much larger than usually found in more developed countries. Firms report several constraints to ICT investment in both countries and power disruption seems to significantly depress adoption and returns to ICT expenditures in India.