A global common market that hums to the tune of American productivity.

Of course, the technology industry has a particular interest in this issue, aside from wanting to see increased American productivity.

American productivity has grown by about 5 percent a year for the last two years, twice its normal pace.

But now, although American productivity is again improving at a steady annual clip, other countries are catching up.

Many economic historians have argued that American productivity grew rapidly in its earlier years for just such reasons.

IF this fall's new shows are any indication, American productivity is in trouble.

American productivity exploded in the last generation, and the middle class has little to show for it.

Economists construct a scale for international comparisons that gives American productivity a value of 100.

Weak industries will be protected, reducing American productivity and living standards.

But an increase in American white-collar productivity will not itself lead to economic resurgence.