The origins and development of statistical approaches in non-parametric frontier models: a survey of the first two decades of scholarly literature (1998–2020)

Abstract This paper surveys the increasing use of statistical approaches in non-parametric efficiency studies. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Free Disposable Hull (FDH) are recognized as standard methods developed field operations research. Kneip et al. (Econom Theory, 14:783–793, 1998) Park 16:855–877, 2000) develop properties variable returns-to-scale (VRS) version DEA estimators FDH estimators, respectively. Simar & Wilson (Manag Sci 44, 49–61, show that conventional bootstrap cannot provide valid inference context or introduce a smoothed for with estimators. By doing so, they address main drawback models being deterministic without interpretation. Since then, many articles have applied this innovative approach to examine productivity various fields while providing confidence interval estimates gauge uncertainty. Despite research attention significant theoretical methodological developments its first two decades, specific comprehensive bibliometric analysis DEA/FDH literature subsequent is still missing. thus, aims an extensive overview key their impact field. Specifically, addition some summary statistics such citations, most influential academic journals authorship network analysis, we review well pertinent software applications.