Selected Issues Papers

A New Growth Engine for Japan: Women in STEM Fields; Japan

ByRui Xu

May 18, 2023

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Format: Chicago

Rui Xu. "A New Growth Engine for Japan: Women in STEM Fields; Japan", Selected Issues Papers 2023, 030 (2023), accessed 12/5/2025, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798400242366.018

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Summary

Despite recent improvements in female labor force participation, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields in Japan. Given the close link between STEM workers and innovation, encouraging women to pursue STEM careers could boost growth potential. Using a calibrated endogenous growth model with STEM talent, this paper quantifies the potential gains from eliminating barriers to STEM fields among women. The findings suggest that bridging the gender gap in STEM fields can boost TFP growth by 20 percent and consumption-equivalent welfare by 4 percent in Japan.

Subject: Gender, Gender diversity, Gender inequality, International organization, Labor, Labor markets, Monetary policy, Production, Total factor productivity, Women

Keywords: consumption-equivalent welfare, endogenous growth, Gender diversity, Gender inequality, heterogenous talent, innovation, Japan, Labor markets, STEM career, STEM field, STEM worker, STEM workers, TFP growth, Total factor productivity, women