The Micro and Macro Productivity of Nations

We examine aggregate productivity differences across nations using cross-country firm-level data and a quantitative model of production heterogeneity with distortions featuring operation decisions (selection) and productivity-enhancing investments (technology). Empirically, less developed countries feature higher distortions and larger dispersion in firm-level productivity, mostly resulting from the higher prevalence of unproductive firms. Quantitatively, measured cross-country differences in the elasticity of distortions with respect to firm productivity generate the bulk of empirical patterns and over two-thirds of cross-country labor productivity differences. Both selection and technology channels are important. Variation in static misallocation also plays an important role, albeit smaller.

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