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A non-parametric analysis of world productivity growth, 1990–2019

Author

Listed:
  • Paul W. Wilson

    (Division of Computer Science, Clemson University
    Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis)

  • Shirong Zhao

    (Dongbei University of Finance and Economics)

Abstract

This paper examines the aggregate economic performance of 143 countries from 1990 to 2019. Fully nonparametric methods are used to estimate changes in total factor productivity. Recently-developed statistical results are employed for inference and to test hypotheses about model structure. We find that productivity increased by 83 percent on average from 1990 to 2019, with larger gains among low income countries. In addition, we find evidence that productivity growth slowed among high, middle and low-income countries in the 10-year period following the 2008 financial crisis relative to growth over the ten-year period before the crisis. This finding is consistent with what others in the growth literature have found. Finally, our results indicate that low-income countries are less efficient than high- or middle-income countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul W. Wilson & Shirong Zhao, 2025. "A non-parametric analysis of world productivity growth, 1990–2019," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 346(3), pages 2253-2285, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:annopr:v:346:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s10479-025-06520-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10479-025-06520-z
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Technical efficiency; Technology; Nonparametric; Malmquist index;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • O57 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Comparative Studies of Countries

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