Joel’s main research interests are in the economics of innovation and economic geography. He studies the role that multi-location firms play in promoting the flow of knowledge across geographical space, the impact of intellectual property rights on innovation, and whether skilled immigration can be leveraged to foster innovation. His most recent research focuses on automation and the future of work.
Selected Publications
Blit, J. 2020. "Automation and reallocation: will COVID-19 usher in the future of work?" Canadian Public Policy, Special Issue on COVID-19, 46(S2):S192-202.
Blit, J., M. Skuterud, and J. Zhang. 2020. "Can skilled immigration raise innovation? Evidence from Canadian Cities." Journal of Economic Geography, 20(4):879-901.
Blit, J., M. Skuterud, and M. Veall. 2020. "The pandemic and short-run changes in output, hours worked and labour productivity: Canadian evidence by industry." International Productivity Monitor, 39: 16-32.
Blit, J. 2018. "Foreign R&D satellites as a medium for the international diffusion of knowledge." Canadian Journal of Economics, 51(4): 1118-1150.
Blit, J., M. Skuterud, and J. Zhang. 2018. "An analysis of the patenting rates of Canada's ethnic populations." Canadian Public Policy, Special issue on Information and Communications Technologies Talent: The Skills We Need, 44(S1): 125-145.
Blit, J., S. St. Amand, and J. Wajda. 2018. "Automation and the future of work: scenarios and policy options." CIGI Papers, No. 174.
Blit, J. 2017. “Learning remotely: R&D satellites, intra-firm linkages, and knowledge sourcing.” Journal of Economics and Management Strategy, 26: 757-81.
Blit, J. 2017. “Optimal patent regimes in a globalized world: lessons for Canada.” CIGI Papers, No. 120.
Blit, J., C. Liu, and W. Mitchell. 2016. “What goes on beneath the surface of reconfiguration? The impact of redeployment via activity addition and subtraction on firm scope and turnover.” Advances in Strategic Management, Special issue on resource redeployment and corporate strategy 35: 185-216.
Working papers
"Automation and reallocation: the lasting legacy of of COVID-19 in Canada"
"The impact of patent protection on R&D. Evidence using export markets." (with Mauricio Zelaya)
“A machine learning analysis of the localization of knowledge flows.” (with Mikko Packalen)
"Where do Canadians patent?" (with Chris Earle)
“An equilibrium theory of regional change” (with Chris Liu)
"Repeated interactions and knowledge transfers: micro-foundations of local and intra-firm knowledge diffusion"
"Organizational choice under heterogeneous firm productivities"
Non Peer-Reviewed Articles
“COVID-19 will transform our economy – If we get our policies right” C.D. Howe Institute Intelligence Memo. 2020.
"Re-opening and re-closing the economy strategically" C.D. Howe Institute Intelligence Memo. 2020. (with Chuanmo Jin and Mikal Skuterud)
"Are patents really necessary?" Article in New Thinking on Innovation Special Report. Centre for International Governance Innovation. 2017.
"Toward an optimal patent regime for Canada." Article in New Thinking on Innovation Special Report. Centre for International Governance Innovation. 2017.
"The U.K. rejected on of humanity's greatest achievements." Op-Ed published in print and online by the Toronto Star and other media outlets. 2016.
"Brexit leavers are right to feel aggrieved." Op-Ed published in print and online by the Toronto Star and other media outlets. 2016.
"The case for intellectual property rights: should patents be strengthened, weakened, or abolished altogether?" CIGI Policy Brief, 2015, No. 70.
Expert Reports
"COVID-19-induced automation and reallocation: impacts on Waterloo Region." Report prepared for Waterloo Region. 2020.
"The value of the use of the CSI repertoire by online music services." Expert report for the Copyright Board of Canada. 2013, 44 (with Paul Audley and Marcel Boyer)