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Regulation, resource reallocation and productivity growth

Author

Listed:
  • Arnold, Jens

    (Organisation for Co-operation and Development (OECD))

  • Scarpetta, Stefano

    (Organisation for Co-operation and Development (OECD))

  • Nicoletti, Giuseppe

    (Organisation for Co-operation and Development (OECD))

Abstract

In this paper, we review theory and evidence on the links between product market regulations that curb competitive pressures, the efficiency of resource allocation and productivity growth. We show that product market regulations differ across countries and industries and have evolved differently over time. We argue that differences in regulation have played an important role in driving resource allocation and productivity outcomes. Countries and industries where direct and indirect regulatory burdens are lighter have generally experienced the highest GDP per capita and productivity growth rates. Moreover, where regulatory burdens are lighter, the reallocation of resources towards the highest-productivity firms is stronger. The impacts of inappropriate regulations on aggregate and firm-level productivity performance are estimated to be quantitatively important and thus, reforming such regulations can provide a significant boost to potential growth in OECD economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Arnold, Jens & Scarpetta, Stefano & Nicoletti, Giuseppe, 2011. "Regulation, resource reallocation and productivity growth," EIB Papers 4/2011, European Investment Bank, Economics Department.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:eibpap:2011_004
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    19. Giacomo Di Foggia & Ugo Arrigo, 2015. "The scope of public organisations with productive functions: insights from the inefficiency of Italian local public transport," European Journal of Government and Economics, Europa Grande, vol. 4(2), pages 134-154, December.
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    21. Isaac Ofoeda & Elikplimi Komla Agbloyor & Joshua Yindenaba Abor & Kofi Osei Achampong, 2022. "Foreign direct investment, anti‐money laundering regulations and economic growth," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(3), pages 670-692, April.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Productivity; product market regulation; allocative efficiency;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • E23 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Production
    • K23 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Regulated Industries and Administrative Law
    • L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms
    • L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation

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