Living on the edge: An anatomy of New Zealand’s most productive firms

Theory and international evidence suggest that firms at the New Zealand productivity frontier may be especially important for diffusion of knowledge from global frontier, acting as a conduit new technologies ideas to flow into domestic economy. We identify NZ in novel way is robust some sources measurement error, criticism label dependent on arbitrary assumptions. show economic activity concentrated upper deciles distribution, are disproportionately aggregate output, even relative just outside frontier. Compared laggard firms, firms: employ more skilled workforce major Urban Areas (particularly Auckland); have superior human resource management practices; export intensive; likely up-to-date technology (including UFB use); markets with no competitors.