This chapter overviews productivity research from an industrial organization perspective. We focus on what is known and what still needs to be learned about the productivity levels and dynamics of individual producers, but also how these interact through markets and industries to influence productivity aggregates. We overview productivity concepts, facts, data, measurement, analysis, and open questions.

More on this topic

BFI Working Paper·Sep 18, 2026

Public Perceptions of Discrimination at Large Firms

Patrick Kline, Evan K. Rose, and Christopher Walters
Topics: Employment & Wages
BFI Working Paper·Sep 14, 2026

How Disability Benefits in Early Life Affect Adult Outcomes

Manasi Deshpande, Alessandra Voena, and Jason B. Weitze
Topics: Economic Mobility & Poverty, Employment & Wages
BFI Working Paper·Aug 12, 2026

Sticky Wage Norms and the Real Wage Cost of Unexpected Inflation

Erik Hurst, Christina Patterson, Nela Richardson, and Ye Liv Wang
Topics: Employment & Wages