The rapid rise of the Internet, together with emerging technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced robotics and drones, Blockchain, the “Internet of things” (IoT) and 3D printing, are unleashing new opportunities and transforming the global economy. More...
Investing in Resource Efficiency – The Economics and Politics of Financing the Resource Transition
Various factors are putting increasing pressure on policy makers, researchers, firms and investors to explore pathways towards sustainable and efficient resource management. More...
Social protection systems: not simple, but worth the effort
A systematic approach lies at the core of universal social protection. However, it is not immediately obvious what the term means, or why it is so important. More...
Understanding coverage: what does universal social protection really mean?
In many cases, the debate revolves around the “everyone” aspect – that is, the rationale and modalities to cover all members of society and not just some. Yet, this assumes clarity on the meaning of “coverage.” This is a big assumption. More...
Turning the changing food needs of a rising middle class into decent jobs for rural youth
Rural youth constitute the majority of the youth population today in most developing countries, and their number keeps growing. More...
How can developing countries learn to tax?
The capability to raise revenues from taxes – often called fiscal capacity – is a crucial aspect for the functioning of every state, particularly in developing countries. More...
The Push toward Gender Equality Will Require More Than Money
Achieving gender equality is critical to achieving each and every one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Though few disagree that gender equality is a facilitator and a catalyst for meeting these ambitious targets, too few emphasise the non-capital inputs required to achieve them. More...
Starting early: Educating teenagers to make savvy financial choices
Fewer than one in three 15 year olds have a financial knowledge level that “signals the kinds of knowledge and skills that are essential for managing a bank account or a financial task of similar complexity”, according to the latest OECD PISA financial literacy test results. More...
Are digital technologies the new Holy Grail ?
By . Digital innovations are everywhere, in our pockets, cars and homes. However, while digital technologies seem to offer great potential to enhance firm productivity, productivity growth has slowed sharply in most OECD countries over the past two decades. More...
The social exclusion of Roma in the Slovak Republic calls for immediate policy action
By . The Slovak Republic has one of the continent’s largest Roma populations. Estimates differ, but it is assumed that they account for about 8% of the population The Roma communities vary based upon geographic location and the level of integration. More...