Productivity, Innovation and Economic Performance

Productivity and its determinants are at the heart of economic debate. Output per person or per capita is still the most influential measure of the prosperity of nations. Productivity depends on the quantity and quality of the factors of production available to a country and the social framework within which they operate. Education and the research base affect both the quality of factors and the ability of a nation to make productive use of those factors. This volume brings together papers from a number of authors from a variety of traditions. The importance of service sector productivity and its measurement are addressed. The role of human capital in adapting to new technologies is discussed. The creation of knowledge through research and development and its diffusion through trade, investment and the interaction of firms are fully investigated. A NIESR book published by and available from Cambridge University Press