Sectoral perspectives on economic performance: China, France, Switzerland, and the UK

This series of policy papers examines how sectoral structures and dynamics shape national economic performance across China, France, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. By focusing on the contribution of sectors to productivity growth and structural change, the series provides a sectoral and international perspective to productivity growth challenges.

From rapid growth to slowdown: sectoral analysis of China’s economic transformation  offers an overview of China’s structural evolution over the past two decades. The paper analyses how different sectors have contributed to periods of rapid economic growth and to more recent slowdown trends. It also examines the role of industrial policies in shaping China’s sectoral development and overall economic performance.

Swiss made: the role of manufacturing in Switzerland’s success  contributes to the debate on the role of manufacturing in advanced economies. The paper explores Switzerland’s economic structure and performance between 2012 and 2021, assessing how manufacturing and knowledge-intensive services have supported high levels of productivity and global competitiveness. Particular attention is given to the pharmaceutical sector and the mechanical, electrical and metal industries, reflecting their central importance in the Swiss economy.

The productivity gap across the Channel: unpacking the sectoral drivers behind the France–UK productivity divide  investigates the persistent productivity gap between France and the United Kingdom. Despite broadly similar economic structures, France has recorded consistently higher productivity levels than the UK over the past 15 years. Using a detailed sectoral approach, the paper examines how differences in productivity levels and sectoral composition contribute to this divergence.

This series provides a comparative, evidence-based perspective on the sectoral drivers of economic performance. The series offers insights of direct relevance to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers concerned with productivity, industrial strategy, and long-term economic growth.

Download the policy papers: 

From rapid growth to slowdown: sectoral analysis of China’s economic transformation

Swiss made: the role of manufacturing in Switzerland’s success

The productivity gap across the Channel: unpacking the sectoral drivers behind the France–UK productivity divide