Sources of Productivity Growth [Hardcover]

This 1996 book examines the surges in productivity that have occurred in a number of countries throughout the world.Over the past fewdecades there have been surges in productivity in a number of countries, and the explanations for these surges have not been satisfactory. This 1996 book examines the data relating to these changes at an individual establishment level in a number of countries throughout the world.Over the past fewdecades there have been surges in productivity in a number of countries, and the explanations for these surges have not been satisfactory. This 1996 book examines the data relating to these changes at an individual establishment level in a number of countries throughout the world.Over the past couple of decades there have been surges in productivity in a number of countries, in particular in the UK under the Thatcher government. Explanations of these changes have not been satisfactory. This book examines, for the first time, the data relating to these changes at an individual establishment level in a number of countries throughout the world. Using a variety of the most up-to-date methods of analysis, the contributors show that there is no single simple explanation. Changes in competitive conditions, skills, innovation and the growth of small firms all have their part to play, as does the widespread closure of the least productive establishments.1. Introduction David G. Mayes; 2. Productivity growth in the 1980s Melanie Lansbury and David Mayes; 3. Entry, exit, ownership and the growth of productivity Melanie Lansbury and David Mayes; 4. Shifts in the production frontier and the distribution of efficiency Melanie Lansbury and David Mayes; 5. Productivity, quality and the production process. A comment of chapters 24 Keith Cowling and Guy Vernon; 6. Productivity, machinery and skills in engineering: an Anglo-Dutch comparison Geoff Mason and Bart van Ark; 7. Knowledge, increasing returns and the UK production function Gavin Cameron and John Muell#4