This paper investigates the impact of competition on the productivity performance of companies. The key hypothesis is that firms which operate in a more competitive environment have a higher levels of productivity and/or higher rates of productivity growth. We summarise the theoretical foundation for this hypothesis and the empirical evidence in its favour. Both are very thin. We then present some evidence based on a panel of UK manufacturing companies which provides support for the key hypothesis.

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November 1993     Paper Number CEPDP0182