François Laisney

Economic development and CO2 emissions: A nonparametric panel approach

We examine the empirical relation between CO2 emissions per capita and GDP per capita during the period 1960-1996, using a panel of 100 countries. Relying on the nonparametric poolability test of Baltagi et al. (1996), we find evidence of structural stability of the relationship. We then specify a nonparametric panel data model with country-specific effects. Estimation results show that this relationship is upward sloping. Nonparametric specification tests do not reject monotonicity but do reject the polynomial functional form which leads to the environmental Kuznets curve in several studies.

Seminonparametric Estimation of Binary-Choice Models With an Application to Labor-Force Participation

We adapt the estimation method proposed by Gallant and Nychka to binary-choice models. We present Monte Carlo and asymptotic comparisons with the probit estimator and discuss optimization algorithms, choice of starting values, and strategies for choosing the number of parameters used in approximating the density. Seminonparametric estimation is almost as efficient as probit estimation in normal samples and performs better in nonnormal samples. The estimation of a participation model with 3,658 observations and 21 explanatory variables demonstrates the practicability of this approach on personal computers.

The Economics and Econometrics of Innovation

Overview. Part I: The Macroeconomic Effects of Innovation. 1. On the Macroeconomic Effect of Major Technological Change P. Aghion, P. Howitt. 2. On Knowledge Diffusion, Patents Lifetime and Innovation Based Endogenous Growth P. Michel, J. Nyssen. 3. Endogenous Growth and the Labor Market F. Cerisier, F. Postel-Vinay. Part II: Publicly Funded Science. 4. Research Productivity in a System of Universities J.D. Adams, Z. Griliches. 5. Reputation and Competence in Publicly Funded Science: Estimating the Effects on Research Group Productivity A. Arora, et al. 6. The Impact and Organization of Publicly Funded Research and Development in the European Community M.P. Feldman, F.R. Lichtenberg. 7. An Auction Model of Intellectual Property Protection: Patent Versus Copyright M. Waterson, N. Ireland. 8. Information Disclosure and the Renewal of Patents C. Crampes, C. Langinier. 9. Appropriation Strategy and the Motivations to Use the Patent Systems: An Econometric Analysis at the Firm Level E. Duguet, I. Kabla. 10. Patents and R&D, An Econometric Investigation Using Applications for German, European and US Patents by German Companies G. Licht, K. Zoz. Part III: Network Goods and Standardization. 11. Equilibrium Coalition Structures in Markets for Network Goods N. Economides, F. Flyer. 12. Does Standardization Really Increase Production? H. Stahn. Part IV: Investment and Productivity in R&D. 13. Accumulation of R&D Capital and Dynamic Firm Performance: A Not-So-Fixed Effect Model T.J. Klette, F. Johansen. 14. Are there Financing Constraints for R&D and Investment in German Manufacturing Firm? D. Harhoff. Part V: Profits from Innovation. 15. The Commercial Success of Innovations: An Econometric Analysis at the Firm Level in French Manufacturing C. Barlet, et al. 16. Incentives for Cost Reducing Innovations under Quantitative Import Restraints C.C. Cabral, et al. 17. The Size Distribution of Profits from Innovation F.M. Scherer. Part VI: Spillovers. 18. Looking for International Knowledge Spillovers: A Review of the Literature with Suggestions for New Approaches L. Branstetter. 19. Factor Intensities, Rates of Return, and International R&D Spillovers: The Case of Canadian and U.S. Industries J. Bernstein. 20. Exploring the Spillover Impact on Productivity of World-Wide Manufacturing Firms H. Capron, M. Cincera. 21. Innovation Spillovers and Technology Policy Y. Katsoulacos. Index of Names. Index of Subjects.

Imposing and Testing Curvature Conditions on a Box–Cox Cost Function

We present a new method for imposing and testing concavity of a cost function using asymptotic least squares, which can easily be implemented even for cost functions which are nonlinear in parameters. We provide an illustration on the basis of a (generalized) Box-Cox cost function with six inputs: capital, labor disaggregated in three skill levels, energy, and intermediate materials. A parametric test of the concavity of the cost function in prices is presented, and price elasticities are compared when curvature conditions are imposed and when they are not. The results show that, although concavity is statistically rejected, the estimates are not very sensitive to its imposition. We find that substitution is stronger between the different types of labor than between any other pair of inputs.

Alternative Interpretations of Hours Information in an Econometric Model of Labour Supply

This paper examines the labour supply behaviour of married women in France. A sequence of models is specified and estimated which incorporate different amounts of information on observed weekly hours. In all models the distinction is drawn between search and non-participation among non-workers. We provide extensive specification diagnostics, including Heckman-Andrews tests, as well as Hausman tests for the comparison of different handlings of the hours information. It turns out that distinguishing between part-time, full-time and long hours gives virtually the same results as treating observed hours as reflecting desired hours.

Bayesian estimation of Cox models with non-nested random effects: an application to the ratification of ILO conventions by developing countries

We use a multivariate hazard model to analyse the ratification behaviour of ILO conventions by developing countries. The model accounts for two random effects: one at the country level, the other at the convention level. After investigating identification, we use a semi-parametric Bayesian approach based on the partial likelihood. We find diverging results between Bayesian and frequentist estimates concerning the importance of the two unobserved heterogeneities.

The Performance of German Firms in the Business-Related Service Sector

We analyze the performance of firms from the German business-related service sector for 1994–2000. Performance is measured by ordinal assessment of changes in total sales. We estimate first-order Markov chain models using extensions of the multinomial logit model: a linear index model with alternative specifications of heterogeneity and a semiparametric model. The preferred specification involves heterogeneity connected to the firm and the type of transition. Our findings include that size has a positive effect on performance, young firms outperform older competitors, a single creditor has a stabilizing effect, diversification has a negative impact, and performance is significantly affected by legal status. Measuring performance through profit rather than sales does not alter the qualitative results.

Demand Systems with Unit Values: A Comparison of Two Specifications

The availability of quantity information along with expenditure information in some household surveys allows the estimation of price reactions on the basis of unit values. We compare two specifications that have been proposed in this context by Deaton (1990) and Crawford et al. (1997) in order to take account of quality effects reflected in the unit values. Using simulated data for a two-good model, and keeping Marshallian elasticities fixed, we compare true and pseudo-true quantity and quality elasticities. Expenditure elasticities are close, but we find large differences in price elasticities and even sign reversals. This suggests that, while convenient in the situation where prices are not observable, these specifications lack flexibility.

Innovation activity and firm heterogeneity : empirical evidence from West Germany

Abstract This paper investigates the robustness of cross-section results on innovative behaviour of firms. It discusses specifications resulting from various assumptions on market structure and strategic behaviour. A number of cross-section and pooled probit results rely on restrictions which are rejected. The specification with correlated random effects is rejected and yields poor results, but the absence of correlation between random effects and regressors is also rejected.

Female Labour Supply and the Tax Benefit System in France

The paper presents estimates of a separable Box-Cox type utility function defined over leisure and consumption, parameterized by demographics. The estimation takes detailed account of the French system of direct taxation, social security contributions and social benefits. Observed hours come in through a single distributional statistic. The model is used for simulation and the effects of bringing the French tax and benefits system more in line with the systems of other OECD countries are discussed.