The importance (impacts) of knowledge at the macro-micro levels in the Arab Gulf countries
Samia S. O. M. Nour
#2013-016
In this paper, we use the data from the firm survey (2002) at the micro
level and some recent and update current secondary data at the macro
level to examine the importance (impacts) of tacit and codified sources
of knowledge at firm and aggregate levels respectively. Our results at
the macro level are consistent with the notion that tacit knowledge is
complementary with schooling, while tacit knowledge and codified
knowledge are positively correlated with GDP. Moreover, at the
macro/aggregate level, our results show a significant complementary
relationship between codified knowledge and the number of Full Time
Equivalent Researchers (FTER) and between them and publications,
cooperation and technology (patents). Our findings at the micro level
indicate positive correlations between tacit knowledge, ICT, training,
profit, output and output diversification. In addition, our findings
illustrate that tacit skill/knowledge inside the firm increases with
market size: total investment, capital, firm size and age. Our results
are consistent with the findings in the knowledge literature and are
also useful to indicate the importance of good education at both the
micro and macro levels.
Keywords: Tacit knowledge, codified knowledge, economic growth, Arab
Gulf countries.
JEL classification: O10, O11, O30