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Competitive Intensity as Driver of Innovation and Productivity Growth: A Synthesis of the Literature

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  • Andrew Sharpe
  • Ian Currie

Abstract

The objective of the report is to survey and assess the existing economic theoretical literature and empirical evidence on the linkages between open and competitive markets (competitive intensity) and innovation and productivity growth. The report is divided into three main parts. The first part examines the state of economic theory on the relationship between competitive intensity, innovation and productivity. The second section examines relevant empirical work that has been done on the role of firm dynamics in sustaining a competitive environment. The third section surveys evidence of linkages provided by the international case studies of the effects of open and competitive markets on innovation and productivity. The report concludes that the weight of the evidence indicates that competitive intensity has a strong positive effect on innovation and productivity. Accordingly, Canada should pay closer attention to the competitive implications of public policy than has been the case in the past. The international experience provides strong support for this conclusion. While there can be negative implications for certain groups from such policy changes, the evidence shows that they are often smaller than anticipated. Restrictions on competition should only be allowed when it can be demonstrated that they are needed to achieve overriding societal interests.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Sharpe & Ian Currie, 2008. "Competitive Intensity as Driver of Innovation and Productivity Growth: A Synthesis of the Literature," CSLS Research Reports 2008-03, Centre for the Study of Living Standards.
    • Handle: RePEc:sls:resrep:0803
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard Carew, 1998. "The British Columbia Wine Sector and the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement: Strengths and Opportunities," Review of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 20(1), pages 248-258.
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    Cited by:

    1. Andrew Sharpe & John Tsang, 2019. "A Detailed Analysis of Newfoundland and Labrador's Productivity Performance, 1997-2018," CSLS Research Reports 2019-06, Centre for the Study of Living Standards.
    2. Andrew Sharpe & Etienne Grand'Maison, 2013. "A Detailed Analysis of Newfoundland and Labrador's Productivity Performance, 1997-2010: The Impact of the Oil Boom," CSLS Research Reports 2013-05, Centre for the Study of Living Standards.
    3. Andrew Sharpe & Blair Long, 2012. "Innovation in Canadian Natural Resource Industries: A Systems-Based Analysis of Performance, Policy and Emerging Challenges," CSLS Research Reports 2012-06, Centre for the Study of Living Standards.
    4. Ricardo de Avillez, 2014. "A Detailed Analysis of Productivity Trends in the Canadian Forest Products Sector," CSLS Research Reports 2014-01, Centre for the Study of Living Standards.
    5. Don Drummond & Evan Capeluck & Matthew Calver, 2015. "The Key Challenge for Canadian Public Policy: Generating Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth," CSLS Research Reports 2015-11, Centre for the Study of Living Standards.
    6. Alcina Nunes & Elsa de Morais Sarmento, 2010. "Business Survival in Portuguese Regions," GEMF Working Papers 2010-22, GEMF, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra.
    7. Atanasova, Christina & Li, Mingxin, 2019. "Do all diversified firms hold less cash? The role of product market competition," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 134-152.

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