CONVERGENCE AND PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH: EVIDENCE FROM THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA

Zoran Borović, Dalibor Tomaš and Jelena Trivić

University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Economics, The Republic of Srpska

The paper is mainly aimed at identifying the sources of total factor productivity (TFP) growth within the framework of convergence for the Republic of Srpska (RSRP). The main research question is what it is that drives technological progress for a small transition country. The current study focuses on the RSRP, as the follower, and the Republic of Serbia (RSRB), as the technological leader. The analysis carried out in this research study confirms the presence of convergence at the industry level, which means that the farther away from the technological frontier a country is, the higher the TFP growth rate. The research results enable policymakers to design and implement policies capable of enhancing domestic development and increase productivity growth.

Keywords: total factor productivity, productivity convergence, trade, research and development, human capital

JEL Classification: D24, F43, O38, O47