Productivity of the Russian firms: Seven stylized facts

Abstract

Productivity in Russia has been falling steadily over the past 15 years. This paper explores firm-level data to understand the contribution of individual firms to aggregate productivity and summarizes findings in the form of seven stylized facts. Policies to address the productivity decline should focus on regulatory reform to strengthen market forces; create a climate that is supportive to innovative start-ups; help unproductive firms to leave the market earlier; foster labour and capital mobility and knowledge transfer between firms and across regional borders; and embrace foreign ownership. These policies should be complemented by targeted support to households and firms severely affected by the covid-19 crisis. This note is built on the findings of an OECD Economics Department Working Paper published in early 2020.