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BPEA | 1993: Microeconomics 2

Productivity Levels in Germany Japan, and the United States: Differences and Causes

Bart Van Ark and
BVA
Bart Van Ark University of Groningen
Dirk Pilat
DP
Dirk Pilat University of Groningen
Discussants: Dale W. Jorgenson and
DWJ
Dale W. Jorgenson
Frank R. Lichtenberg
FRL
Frank R. Lichtenberg

Microeconomics 2, 1993


THIS PAPER EXPLORES the comparative productivity performance in manufacturing of three countries-Germany, Japan, and the United States since 1950. The productivity level estimates are based on the industry of origin approach, making use of detailed information from censuses of manufactures for each country. Comparative measures of sectoral productivity levels have a vast array of applications in, for example, the study of structural change, technological progress, comparative advantage, and competitiveness and in the analysis of catch-up and convergence.

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