Final answer:
Factors like labor productivity, capital investment, and technology are pivotal for productivity in countries, but governance, resources, stability, and trade also influence economic growth. The percent of productivity impact from these factors varies by country. GDP per capita is used to measure long-term economic growth, accounting for population changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factor that contributes the most towards productivity can vary among different economies; however, labor productivity, capital investment, and technology are often considered the most critical. Labor productivity measures how efficiently labor is used to produce goods or services, and is influenced by education, training, health, and motivation. Capital investment in machinery, infrastructure, and technology can greatly improve a worker's productivity by providing better tools and processes. Technology advancements lead to new methods that can increase productivity through automation and better techniques.
Apart from these, other factors that impact the economic growth of a country include the quality of governance, access to natural resources, social stability, and trade policies. For example, strong institutions and governance can create a conducive environment for commerce, while social instability can disrupt production and supply chains. Furthermore, global trade allows for specialization and can lead to more efficient production. The percent of productivity lost due to these factors can vary significantly based on the country's unique situation and policies.
In terms of measuring long-term GDP growth in the face of changing populations, GDP per capita is often used as a metric. This allows for comparisons of economic performance across countries and through different time periods, accounting for the size of the population.