Dear colleagues, The Department of Economics cordially invites you to the WU Economics Research Seminar on Wednesday, June 7th, with Arieda Muco (Central European University) on "The Xerox Effect: Communication Technologies and Political Actions in Autocracy" Abstract: Do new communication technologies promote democratic values in autocratic regimes? To answer this question, we use a unique setting: the distribution of photocopy machines, the Xerox program, between 1985 and 1989 in communist Hungary. Exploiting data on machine allocation combined with newly digitalized data, we show that areas with machines are more likely to support democratic values in the referendum of 1989. These areas are also more likely to participate in elections, vote for democratic values in the first democratic elections, and establish more entrepreneurial activity. Moreover, we show that adjacent areas are also affected by technology adoption. Our results suggest that new communication technologies can help promote democratic values even in countries where political competition is limited and traditional media is censored. Date: Wednesday, June 7th Time: 4.30 to 6 pm (CET) Location: building D4, ground floor, room D4.0.144 With best regards, Harald Oberhofer --- Univ.-Prof. Dr. Harald Oberhofer Department of Economics WU Vienna University of Economics and Business Phone: +43/1/31336-4984 Email: harald.oberhofer@wu.ac.at<mailto:harald.oberhofer@wu.ac.at> Webpage: https://www.wu.ac.at/ie/mitarbeiter/harald-oberhofer/ Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) Phone: +43/1/7982601-468 Email: harald.oberhofer@wifo.ac.at<mailto:harald.oberhofer@wifo.ac.at> Webpage: http://www.wifo.ac.at/harald_oberhofer