The impact of structural reforms on productivity : The role of the distance to the technological frontier

Ana Fontoura Gouveiai ; Sílvia Santosii ; Inês Gonçalvesiii iMinistry of Finance ; PortugaliiBanco de PortugaliiiInstituto Nacional de Estatística

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

关键词: Structural reforms;    Distance to frontier;    Growth;    Total Factor Productivity;   

DOI  :  https://doi.org/10.1787/6e4a4bf7-en

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: OECD iLibrary

【 摘 要 】

In recent years, literature has linked structural reforms with productivity growth. Considering Portugal’s recent comprehensive reform agenda, this topic acquires particular relevance. Using data for Portuguese firms for the period 2006-2014, this paper assesses the impact of structural reforms on firms’ productivity. In line with existing literature, the analysis shows that most reforms entail long-term gains, despite, in some reform areas, the existence of short-term costs. In general, there are important differences across reform areas and across firms, namely when comparing firms with different productivity levels. The firms’ distance to the technological frontier mediates the impact of reforms, either by potentiating its effects or by curbing them, depending on the reform area.