An investigation on immigration inflows, GDP productivity and knowledge production in selected OECD countries: A panel model analysis

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of pervasive immigrant inflows on GDP productivity growth in selected OECD countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and the USA. The study aims to consider patent filing residence and non-residence as well as R&D expenditure to see if large immigrant destination countries can accept many immigrants to generate knowledge and creativity and stimulate economic development.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses OECD and WDI data sets from 2000 to 2019 and employs a fundamental correlation matrix and static panel model to analyze the data. The study examines the impact of residential and non-residential patent applications and R&D expenditure on GDP productivity growth in the selected OECD countries.FindingsThe study found an adverse effect for residential patent applications, while non-residential patent application and R&D expenditure variables were strongly linked to GDP productivity. This indicates that to reap the benefits of skilled immigration inflows, the selected OECD countries must devote more resources to research and development and build a knowledge-based economy. This will improve economic efficiency and overall growth.Originality/valueThis paper assists policymakers in comprehending how to effectively utilize immigration inflows in developed and emerging economies in order to construct a future knowledge-based economic system.