We develop an assignment model of automation. Each of a continuum of tasks of variable complexity is assigned to either … capital or one of a continuum of labor skills. We characterize conditions for interior automation, whereby tasks of … intermediate complexity are assigned to capital. Interior automation arises when the most skilled workers have a comparative …

We analyze the long-run growth effects of automation in the canonical overlapping generations framework. While … automation implies constant returns to capital within this model class (even in the absence of technological progress), we show … that it does not have the potential to lead to positive long-growth. The reason is that automation suppresses wages, which …

We investigate the impact of product market competition on firms’ automation investments. We use a rich combination of … competition in export markets tend to reduce investments in automation technologies. These average negative effects are driven by … the least productive firms, while the most efficient exporters in industries that are more prone to automation tend to …