Routine-Biased Technological Change and Endogenous Skill Investments

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Branco, Danyelle; Carrillo, Bladimir; Iglesias, Wilman
• 署名单位: Getulio Vargas Foundation; University of Nebraska System; University of Nebraska Lincoln
• 刊物名称: AMERICAN ECONOMIC JOURNAL-ECONOMIC POLICY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1945-7731
• DOI: 10.1257/pol.20220407
• 发表日期: 2025
• 页码: 236-280
• 关键词: wage inequality; LABOR; computers; US; OPPORTUNITIES; polarization; attainment; EMPLOYMENT; earnings; ability

摘要

We investigate how individuals alter their educational investments in response to routine-biased technology. We find that individuals growing up in robot-impacted areas are more likely to complete a bachelor's degree and experience a relative increase in earnings. Changes in the skill premium and opportunity cost appear to drive these effects. To interpret these findings, we estimate a model of endogenous skill acquisition where changes in the demand and supply of skills shape the path of earnings. Counterfactual simulations suggest that the endogenous skill response cannot fully undo the adverse earnings effects of automation unless there are sufficiently generous educational subsidies. (JEL I26, J22, J23, J24, J31)