The Impact of Immigration on Green Technology Innovation in U.S. MSAs

Abstract

Climate change poses a persistent and worsening threat to humanity. A key component which will contribute to the transition to sustainable practices is the development and implementation of green technology (GT). Significant research has been conducted investigating the determinants of innovation. One central determinant is immigration and location. While the literature investigating immigration, innovation and location is time-tested and there exists a growing body of studies relevant to the determinants of GT, little has been done to understand the impact of immigration on GT in particular. This paper motivates the construction of a unique cross-sectional dataset using shares of foreign workers and inventors, and patent counts. Negative binomial estimations help to investigate shares of foreign workers as a potential determinant of GT at the U.S. MSA level.