Dutch Economic Developments

US Multinationals and the US Productivity Miracle
 

The hiccups in the international economic arena of the past year or two not withstanding, the US has experienced a sustained increase in productivity growth since the mid-1990s, particularly in sectors that intensively use information technologies (IT). This has not occurred in Europe. If the US “productivity miracle” is due to a natural advantage of being located in the US then one would not expect to see any evidence of it for US establishments located abroad. A 2007 paper (NBER Working Paper Series, 13085*) shows in fact that US multinationals operating in the UK do have higher productivity than non-US multinationals in the UK, and this is primarily due to the higher productivity of their IT. Furthermore, establishments that are taken over by US multinationals increase the productivity of their IT, whereas observationally identical establishments taken over by non-US multinationals do not. One explanation for these patterns is that US firms are organized in a way that allows them to use new technologies more efficiently. It has taken a long time to confirm that computers boost productivity. The key seems to lie in management and internal organization. That’s why IT has helped US firms so much more than their European counterparts.  Read more...

The Pensionable Age in the EU

Greece recently came to dominate the headlines as a state that might have to renege on, or at least renegotiate, its debt payments. As a possible consequence, euro area countries whose finances were in better order might end up having to pay for Greece's past profligacy.  Read more...

DNA | data news analysis

IMD WORLD COMPETITIVENESS YEARBOOK 2010

For the first time in decades, Singapore (1) and Hong Kong (2) have topped the US (3) in IMD’s World Competitiveness Yearbook rankings.  Of the countries in the euro zone the best ranked were Luxembourg and the Netherlands at positions 11 and 12 - both in about the same position as in 2009.  Austria and Germany came in 14th and 16th.  The best EU member was Sweden at number 6.  Surprisingly Finland - oft cited as an example for the Netherlands by people who like these kinds of rating games - came in at number 19 - a decline of 10 positions. The overview of the scoreboard can be found in this pdf.  Here's the link to the full press release by the IMD.
 

Growth rising faster than expected but risks increasing too, says OECD Economic Outlook

Economic activity in OECD countries is picking up faster than expected but volatile sovereign debt markets and overheating in emerging-market economies are presenting increasing risks to the recovery, according to the OECD’s latest Economic Outlook published on May 26, 2010.  Read more... 

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Chamber Events

Chamber Calendar

View the Chamber Calendar for an overview of upcoming events. 
 

June 11: the annual AT&T-AmCham Grand Golf Tournament - Nunspeet
June 25: Young Professionals Barbeque Garden Party - Pulitzer Hotel, Amsterdam
June 30: Brabant Chapter Event - Tilburg

Special Member Offers and Announcements

A special offer from AmCham's media partner: the International Herald Tribune

AmCham is pleased to send you this special four-month trial subscription offer (only EUR 100!) from its privileged partner, the International Herald Tribune.
 
Get the world's daily newspaper delivered to your door - with its balanced, intelligent perspective on politics, business, culture and sports - giving you the insights and analysis you need in one concise, easy-to-navigate daily read.
 
For more information, click on this link or copy and paste in your browser: https://subs.iht.com/NLAM  

Amsterdam History Day

Celebrated on Sunday, June 6th 2010
 
Are you foreigner and living in Amsterdam?  Then this is an important message for you!  On Sunday the 6th of June the Amsterdam Historical Museum will organize The Tolerance Trail.  Read more...

Expat Re-entry Program

June 17, 2010 - 9am - Amsterdam Bright City

Returning home after an extended stay abroad is no simple task. You and your family have been away from home for a long time. This presents two challenges: 1) what was “home” has changed in ways that can’t be perceived from outside, and 2) you have changed from your former selves, pre-assignment. It is necessary to be aware of these two dynamics, and to take active, concrete steps in order to reintegrate socially and to work effectively in a changed environment. These skills can be learned in the Expat Re-entry Program.  Read more here...  

AVAILABLE NOW – AMCHAM EU’S NEW EDITION GUIDE TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 2009-2014

AmCham EU is pleased to present the brand new edition of its Guide to the European Parliament 2009-2014.  This highly recommended, comprehensive guide has been fully revised following the 2009 European Parliament elections and changes brought about by the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.

As the leading publication of its kind, the guide contains: 

• Full biographical details and photos of all 736 MEPs;
• Full contact details for all MEPs;
• Explanations of legislative procedures;
• Complete information on parliamentary committees and political groups;
• and contact details for the Secretariat General.

Copies are €50 and discounts are available for bulk orders.  Order form can be downloaded here.

Canon Nederland NV  - 
www.canon-europe.com 

International Herald Tribute -
  www.iht.com

The American School of The Hague
www.ash.nl

Schiphol Real Estate  -    www.schipholgroup.com

Bagdrop - www.bagdrop.com