Stochastic Frontier Panel Data Models Research Articles

Is Globalization Driving Efficiency? A Threshold Stochastic Frontier Panel Data Modelling Approach

Recently, Mastromarco, Serlenga and Shin (2010) propose a two-step approach to examine dynamic transmission mechanism under which globalization factors foster technology efficiency. In this paper, we extend the MSS model by combining panel threshold regression technique advanced by Hansen (1999). This threshold stochastic frontier panel data model enables us to analyze regime-specific stochastic frontiers and complex time-varying patterns of technical efficiencies in a robust manner. Using a dataset of 44 countries over 1970-2007, we find that income elasticities of labour and capital and time-varying common efficiencies are substantially different under superior and inferior frontiers. Capital and labour inputs are more productive under superior frontier. More importantly, common efficiencies have steadily increased under superior frontier, but technical efficiency has monotonically decreased for low income countries, supporting the so-called club convergence hypothesis. Furthermore, the VAR-based impulse response analyses suggest that openness factors through FDI and trade help the countries improve production technology and efficiency position relative to the frontier only after the country has reached a certain level of development.

Key Parameters and Efficiency of Mexican Manufacturing: Are There Still Differences between the North and the South? An Application of Nested and Stochastic Frontier Panel Data Models

This study explores the prevalence and nature of the regional divide for the Mexican manufacturing production across sub-national regions. We utilize a unique panel of municipality-level data from the manufacturing sector. An important contribution is the use of different panel methods to account for latent regional characteristics and the computation of performance indicators for each municipality which will enable detailed regional rankings. Firstly, we apply nested panel methods to estimate regional production functions and to analyze production characteristics and scale economies. Subsequently, we use stochastic frontier analysis methods to test for productivity and efficiency differences in manufacturing throughout the country. Our results suggest that the economic structure and productivity of southern Mexico is considerably different from the centrally located manufacturing belt and the north. Remarkably, rankings based on nested panel and stochastic frontier estimations confirm very similar regional patterns. Nevertheless, efficiency varies strongly within states, indicating that 'islands of excellence' prevail in otherwise highly inefficient and lagging states.