It is commonly argued that a better investment climate reform – i.e., lower distortions in the institutional, policy and regulatory environment in which firms operate – lead to discernible improvements in firm performance. In this paper, we argue that effective State–Business...

Dualism is a pervasive feature of the manufacturing sectors of less-developed countries, with large differences in productivity between the informal and the formal sectors. Policy distortions are viewed as an important factor behind the prevalence of manufacturing dualism. We examine whether...

Empirical studies on total factor productivity growth (TFPG) in developing countries highlight trade openness, research and development and market structure as being the most important determinants of TFPG. The role of institutions remains overlooked in the literature on the determinants of...

Increased integration between the developed and developing countries has seen substantial decrease in trade-related barriers. In addition, there is a debate that developing countries tend to lower the environmental standards to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI). In this context, the...

pt. 1. Methodology, analytical issues, data quality and review -- pt. 2. Macro-approach to productivity measurement -- pt. 3. Regional and micro-approach to productivity measurement -- pt. 4. The way forward.