Technological Change in Australian Agriculture, 1920-21 to 1969-70

Abstract

Technological change is an important element in the development of agriculture, and a major contributor to the growth of the rural sector. In addition, the impact of technological change is non-uniform between sectors, industries and firms and so creates pressures for change, particularly of a structural nature. Further, the nature of, and process of technological change is an important influence on the use of "inputs, such as the capital-labour ratio, the ease of substitution of capital for labour, and the need for complementary inputs of capital, labour or current operating expenses to introduce and fully utilise new technologies. The study of technological change can be undertaken at a number of levels ranging from the individual firm to the aggregate economy. A full understanding of the nature and process of technological change would demand study at all levels. This study is directed to technological change in the aggregate rural sector, and to understanding the general trends operating in the rural sector.