This paper provides estimates of labour productivity levels in OECD manufacturing, for 9 countrie... more This paper provides estimates of labour productivity levels in OECD manufacturing, for 9 countries and 36 industrial sectors. It also provides an overview of some of the available evidence on cross-country productivity differences in the service sector. The paper uses industry-specific conversion factors to calculate productivity levels, based on available industry-of-origin studies and material from the expenditure approach to international comparisons. After a discussion of some methodological issues, the paper describes the estimation of manufacturing productivity levels in detail, while also referring to some other recent work on the issue. The variation in cross-country productivity levels appears to be quite large in the OECD area, suggesting that there may be scope for further productivity catch-up in many countries and many sectors.
This paper discusses the impact of government-imposed regulations on performance in the distribut... more This paper discusses the impact of government-imposed regulations on performance in the distribution sector. It first deals with the role of the distribution sector in OECD economies and gives an overview of competitive conditions in the sector. Next, it provides an overview of recent evidence concerning the impact of regulation. The paper finds that a range of regulations, including restrictions on large stores, opening hours and zoning, have slowed down structural change in the distribution sector. These regulations have sometimes reduced the efficiency of the distribution system, but have mainly limited the range of services provided to consumers.
This paper provides estimates of labour productivity levels in OECD manufacturing, for 9 countrie... more This paper provides estimates of labour productivity levels in OECD manufacturing, for 9 countries and 36 industrial sectors. It also provides an overview of some of the available evidence on cross-country productivity differences in the service sector. The paper uses industry-specific conversion factors to calculate productivity levels, based on available industry-of-origin studies and material from the expenditure approach to international comparisons. After a discussion of some methodological issues, the paper describes the estimation of manufacturing productivity levels in detail, while also referring to some other recent work on the issue. The variation in cross-country productivity levels appears to be quite large in the OECD area, suggesting that there may be scope for further productivity catch-up in many countries and many sectors.
This paper discusses the impact of government-imposed regulations on performance in the distribut... more This paper discusses the impact of government-imposed regulations on performance in the distribution sector. It first deals with the role of the distribution sector in OECD economies and gives an overview of competitive conditions in the sector. Next, it provides an overview of recent evidence concerning the impact of regulation. The paper finds that a range of regulations, including restrictions on large stores, opening hours and zoning, have slowed down structural change in the distribution sector. These regulations have sometimes reduced the efficiency of the distribution system, but have mainly limited the range of services provided to consumers.
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Papers by Dirk Pilat