Empirical model of productivity in the maquiladora export industry

Abstract

Productivity in the maquiladora export industry (IME) has shown a poor performance in the last 20 years. The objective of this paper was to present an econometric model to find the determinants of productivity in this industry during the period 2000-2006 for some entities in western Mexico. This linear regression model included explanatory variables such as capital, wages and the incorporation of specialized personnel. The results allowed us to find deficiencies in productivity growth rates in the region, as well as evidence that the variables capital investment and the use of specialized personnel have a positive influence on productivity. However, wages had a negative effect on the productivity of the MSI.