Productivity growth has decreased in many countries in recent decades, including Sweden. This trend is concerning as productivity growth is fundamental for long-term prosperity. What factors are important for companies to invest? How may government support and industrial policy impact productivity, competition, and trade? And, importantly, how can we best ensure the development of tomorrow’s competencies?
In the SNS research project “Productivity, Competitiveness, and Sustainable Growth”, we aim to broaden our perspective, delving into the long-term conditions for higher productivity, enhanced competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth.
The project is funded with support from the Bertil Edlund Foundation.
Ongoing Studies
Productivity Growth and Misallocation in Sweden
Despite the introduction of groundbreaking technologies such as broadband internet, mobile telephony, and artificial intelligence, a decelerating pace of productivity growth has been observed over the past decades. This report addresses the question of why productivity growth has declined and explores whether inefficient allocation of resources among firms could be an explanation. Using the latest research methodology and detailed Swedish firm data, the report intends to analyze the market power of firms and its impact on aggregate productivity. The results are expected to contribute to the discussion on economic policy and regulation in Sweden, specifically regarding the need to adjust these to stimulate productivity.
Authors: Horng Chern Wong, assistant professor of economics at Stockholm University and Anders Åkerman, professor of economics at the University of Stavanger.
Launch: spring 2026.
Contact persons
Reports and seminars
Completed and published
Reference group Productivity, Competitiveness, and Sustainable Growth
- The Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems (Vinnova)
- Uniper
- Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth
- The Association of Swedish Engineering Industries
- Engineers of Sweden
- Swedish Intellectual Property Office
- Nordic Capital
- Nasdaq
- Mellby Gård
- Luleå Kommunföretag
- Swedish Competition Authority
- The National Board of Trade
- Innovation and Chemical Industries in Sweden (IKEM)
- Google Sweden
- Ericsson
- AstraZeneca
- Swedish Transport Administration
- NCC
- Ministry of Finance
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