Returning to the Returns to Computer Use

摘要

Economists have widely debated whether there exists a return to computer use. If computers increase the marginal productivity of labor, workers may realize an economic return from using computers. One reason this might occur is that technology may allow firms to automate repetitive tasks and shift the energies of workers toward nonroutine tasks, such as problem-solving, innovating, and developing interpersonal skills; this shift may increase overall worker productivity. It is difficult to find evidence supporting a productivity hypothesis, however, since the adoption of computers is also likely to increase the relative demand for workers with skills that are complementary to the new technology.