Comments on the statistics

Eurostat’s regional database contains statistics on annual gross regional product (GRP) at the NUTS3 level in current prices (EUR) for the period 1995-2006. To calculate real GRP, the statistics must be calculated in constant prices. This is done by using national deflators (EUR) on the regional level, a method which presently gives the best approximate results.

Labour productivity is defined as value added per worked hour. A change in productivity consists of the change in value added in constant prices in relation to the change in the number of worked hours. Because there are no statistics available for worked hours by industry at the regional level, it is necessary to calculate labour productivity approximately as the change in value added in constant prices in relation to the change in the number of gainfully employed persons. Moreover, calculations in constant prices of the regional value added can only be made approximately by using national deflators in the regional statistics.

Statistics from OECD on countries’ economic growth, labour productivity and hours worked support the assumption that has been made for labour productivity on the regional level in Denmark and Sweden. As the only Nordic country, the number of hours worked per person in Denmark has increased during 2000-2007; at the same time economic growth has been lowest.