Čt 09.03.2017 | 16:30 | Macro Research Seminar

Pavel Ševčík, Ph.D. (UQAM) “Occupational Choice, Human Capital, and Financial Constraints”

Čt 09.03.2017

Pavel Ševčík, Ph.D. (UQAM) “Occupational Choice, Human Capital, and Financial Constraints”

Pavel Ševčík, Ph.D.

Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Canada


Authors: Rui Castro and Pavel Ševčík

Abstract: We study the aggregate productivity effects of firm-level financial frictions. Credit constraints affect not only production decisions but also household-level schooling decisions. In turn, entrepreneurial schooling decisions impact firm-level productivities, whose cross-sectional distribution becomes endogenous. In anticipation of future constraints, entrepreneurs under-invest in schooling. Frictions lower aggregate productivity because talent is misallocated across occupations, and capital misallocated across firms. In addition, firm-level productivities are also lower due to schooling distortions. These effects combined account for between 22 and 44 percent of the U.S.-India aggregate productivity difference, depending on the calibration. Schooling distortions are the major source of these aggregate productivity differences.

Keywords:  Aggregate Productivity, Financial Frictions, Entrepreneurship, Human Capital.

JEL Codes: E24, I25, J24, O11, O15, O16, 047.


Full Text:  “Occupational Choice, Human Capital, and Financial Constraints”