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Semi-nonparametric models of multidimensional matching: An optimal transport approach

delete2026-05-21
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PRE
AI
D
Dongwoo Kim
Y
Young Jun Lee *
DOI:10.1016/j.jeconom.2026.106242delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
This paper develops a set of empirically tractable and flexible sieve estimators for semi-nonparametric multidimensional matching models with transferable utility, focusing on worker-job matching. We generalize the parametric quadratic-Gaussian framework employed by Bojilov and Galichon (2016) and Lindenlaub (2017), which relies on joint normality of observed characteristics. We allow unrestricted distributions of characteristics and show identification of the production technology and the equilibrium wage and matching functions using optimal transport theory. Given identification, we propose efficient, consistent, and asymptotically normal sieve estimators. We revisit Lindenlaub’s empirical application and show that, between 1990 and 2010, the U.S. economy experienced much larger technological progress favoring cognitive abilities than the original findings suggest. Furthermore, our flexible model specifications provide a significantly better fit for patterns in the evolution of wage inequality.
Keywords:
matching models
optimal transport
sieve estimation
wage inequality
technological progress

Journal

Journal of Econometrics cover
Journal of Econometrics
IF:
4
Papers:
5.2K
Citations:
3.0W

Organization

H
hanyang university
Scholars:
2.8W
Papers: 2.7W
Citations: 36
S
simon fraser university and korea university
Scholars:
1
Papers: 1
Citations: 0
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