Determinants of Long-Term Growth in Austria – A Call for a National Growth Strategy

This study, which offers a thorough analysis of growth in the past four decades, pinpoints total factor productivity (TFP) and human capital as the main engines of growth in Austria. In a further step it sheds light on the determining factors of TFP against the backdrop of a theoretical framework. The authors present evidence for the importance of innovative activity and human capital. They also examine the role of Austria's institutions involved in economic policy making as well as of economic rules and policies. Austria's dynamic external business is shown to foster productivity; EU enlargement could entail new agglomeration advantages. The study emphasizes the productivity-enhancing role of competition policy and market regulation. In their conclusions, the authors call for a long-term growth strategy for Austria and provide suggestions for such a strategy.