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International Comparisons of Industry-based Productivity Levels in the Financial and Business Service Sectors

Author

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  • Pamfili Antipa
  • Marie-Elisabeth de la Serve

Abstract

This article attempts to explain the relatively poor productivity growth in four major EU countries (Germany, France, United Kingdom, and Netherlands) relative to the United States. Our study is carried out from a sectoral perspective, focussing on the financial and business services sectors. Instead of examining only sectoral productivity growth rates, we also examine sectoral productivity level gaps. Our results imply that the productivity differential in the business services sector is a major factor behind the US lead in productivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Pamfili Antipa & Marie-Elisabeth de la Serve, 2010. "International Comparisons of Industry-based Productivity Levels in the Financial and Business Service Sectors," International Productivity Monitor, Centre for the Study of Living Standards, vol. 19, pages 66-81, Spring.
    • Handle: RePEc:sls:ipmsls:v:19:y:2010:5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Henk Kox & George van Leeuwen, 2012. "Dynamic market selection in EU business services," CPB Discussion Paper 210, CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis.
    2. Kox, Henk L.M. & Van Leeuwen, George & Van der Wiel, Henry, 2011. "Being numerous does not yield efficiency - Productivity and entry-exit determinants in European business services," MPRA Paper 106166, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised Sep 2011.
    3. Kox, Henk L.M. & van Leeuwen, George, 2013. "Market selection and scale inefficiency – A new methodology applied to EU business services," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 25(C), pages 77-94.
    4. Kox, Henk L.M. & Leeuwen, George van, 2011. "Measuring dynamic market selection by persistent scale inefficiencies - new methodology applied to EU business services," MPRA Paper 34986, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    sectoral productivity; growth rates; level gaps; productivity growth; financial and business services;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • L84 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Personal, Professional, and Business Services

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