Is there a limit to agglomeration? Evidence from productivity of Dutch firms

We compute aggregate productivity of three categories of regions, classified by the level of urbanization and density of economic activity in the Netherlands, from firm-specific total factor productivity (TFP) measures. TFP measures are estimated by a semi-parametric algorithm, within 2-digit industries, covering agriculture, manufacturing, construction, trade and services, using AMADEUS data over the period 1997–2006. We analyse the productivity differentials across urbanization categories by decomposing them into industry productivity effect and industry composition effect. Our analysis indicates that there is non-linear net effect of agglomeration on productivity growth but in levels agglomeration is associated with higher productivity.

► We examine effects of agglomeration on regional productivity in the Netherlands.
► We estimate firm total factor productivities (TFPs) by semi-parametric algorithm.
► From the firm TFPs we compute aggregate productivity by urbanization category.
► We analyse aggregate productivity by the means of decompositions.
► We find a non-linear net effect of agglomeration on productivity growth.