Definition

Growth accounting explains output growth by the rates of change of labour and capital inputs and by MFP growth, computed as a residual. In these calculations, the growth rates of labour and capital inputs are weighted with their respective share in total costs. Thus, for example, the contribution of labour to GDP growth is measured as the speed with which labour input grows, multiplied by the share of labour in total costs.

In the tables and graphs, the contribution of capital to GDP growth is broken down into ICT capital (ICT capital includes hardware, communication and software) and non-ICT capital (transport equipment and non residential construction; products of agriculture, metal products and machinery other than hardware and communication equipment; and other products of non-residential gross fixed capital formation).

For more statistics on economic, environmental and social issues visit online the OECD Factbook 2010.