Production function estimation using New Zealand’s Longitudinal Business Database

This paper is intended as a resource for researchers using the New Zealand Longitudinal Business Database (LBD) to study the productivity of New Zealand firms.

First, it documents the methods used for creating a consistent dataset of production data, combining survey and administrative data sources. Second, it discusses a range of identification and estimation issues that arise when using the data for the estimation of multi-factor productivity. Finally, it demonstrates the value and usefulness of the data by presenting and comparing a range of productivity estimates for a single industry.