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Productivity Indexes and National Statistics: Theory, Methods and Challenges

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  • Diewert, Erwin
  • Fox, Kevin J.

Abstract

This paper reviews the theory underlying the index number approaches used by National Statistical Offices in the construction of productivity indexes. It reviews approaches for measuring output, labour and capital, and highlights persistent and emerging measurement problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Diewert, Erwin & Fox, Kevin J., 2019. "Productivity Indexes and National Statistics: Theory, Methods and Challenges," Microeconomics.ca working papers erwin_diewert-2019-8, Vancouver School of Economics, revised 25 Apr 2019.
    • Handle: RePEc:ubc:pmicro:erwin_diewert-2019-8
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    File URL: https://econ2017.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2019/04/paper_pdf_DiewertFox-DP19-06_Productivity-Indexes-and-National-Statistics_22April2019.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Productivity measurement; index numbers; GDP mismeasurement; productivity slowdown; digital economy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C43 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Index Numbers and Aggregation
    • C8 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs
    • 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
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights
    • O4 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity

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