R and D technological change in coal mining

Technical Report · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:6361809

Baker, J G

This study examines the issue of R and D and technological change in coal mining, focusing on the period 1970 to present. First, a conceptual framework for classification of coal-related R and D and technological change is developed. This is followed by a review of literature related to technological change in coal mining and related areas. Several measures of technological change are examined. Evidence concerning R and D expenditures and employment of technical manpower in coal mining is reviewed. Direct measures of technological change (i.e., labor productivity, production functions, and total factor productivity) are examined. Determinants of technological change in coal mining (e.g., industry structure, long term contracts, firm resources, etc.) are discussed. The impacts of the 1981 Economic Recovery Tax Act on coal-industry R and D and technological change are examined. The study also contains a summary of information received from the research directors of nine mining-machine manufacturers. Perhaps one of the most important factors in encouraging coal industry R and D and innovation is a healthy, sustained rate of growth in the economy in general and the coal industry in particular. A healthy economy with lowered rates of inflation and interest would lower uncertainty, provide a financial base for R and D efforts, and encourage investment and vendor-related R and D. These benefits, tied to the effects of ERTA, would result in growth in coal industry R and D. Even with sustained economic performance, the coal industry is unlikely to undertake innovative R and D because of industry characteristics that are unaffected by economic variables; i.e., variability of seam conditions, lack of benefits to first-time innovators, the timing of revenues and expenditures over the life cycle of a mine, and the inability of R and D to build new markets (unlike R and I) in electronics).

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Inc., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76OR00033
• OSTI ID: 6361809
• Report Number(s): ORAU-211; ON: DE83011210
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
012000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Mining
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
294001 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Coal
COAL INDUSTRY
COAL MINERS
COAL MINES
COAL MINING
DEPRECIATION
ECONOMIC RECOVERY TAX ACT
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
EQUIPMENT
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
HAULAGE EQUIPMENT
INDUSTRY
INVESTMENT
LAWS
MANUFACTURERS
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
MINERS
MINES
MINING
MINING EQUIPMENT
NORTH AMERICA
PERSONNEL
PRODUCTIVITY
REGULATIONS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SAFETY
SIZE
TAXES
TIME DEPENDENCE
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
UNDERGROUND MINING
USA