Firm-level analysis of information network use and productivity in Japan

This paper presents firm-level micro analysis of information network use and the impact of such use on a firm's productivity. The positive impact of information network use on productivity growth is confirmed using METI's firm-level data for Japanese manufacturers and distributors from 1991 to 2000. In addition, the relationship between information networks and business networks is investigated, and it is found that these two types of networks are complementary in promoting productivity growth of a firm. J. Japanese Int. Economies 21 (1) (2007) 121-137.