Europe’s productivity weakness: Firm-level roots and remedies
Europe’s labour productivity gap with the US has widened since the mid-1990s and again since the Covid pandemic. This column uses comprehensive cross-country firm-level and
Rethinking unemployment insurance: New evidence on hidden costs
As governments worldwide grapple with labour shortages and systemic budget shortfalls, the question arises of how unemployment insurance policies potentially contribute to this imbalance by
Buy now, pay (less) later: How the data are reshaping consumer banking
Though ‘buy now, pay later’ loans are increasingly popular, critics argue that they encourage high costs and unsound borrowing. This column examines how such services
The recent weakness in the German manufacturing sector
Germany’s manufacturing sector has struggled since 2021 due to rising energy costs, weak global demand, and a declining automotive industry. This column describes how higher
The rising tide of climate action: Adjustments to central banks’ monetary policy operations
The discussion of the monetary policy response to climate change has typically focused on whether central banks should take action and what types of adjustments
How to build comparative advantage in AI-intensive industries: Evidence from US imports
As artificial intelligence is becoming a top priority for businesses and policymakers worldwide, understanding what makes a country competitive in AI-driven industries is crucial for
Can Africa create jobs without infrastructure?
Another election season in Africa is behind us. Last year about 19 countries headed to the polls in presidential and legislative elections. As it is with every
Key governance reforms needed for a fairer Bangladesh
Bangladesh has gone through several political transitions since its independence in 1971. Caretaker or interim governments in the past have often delivered important institutional reforms.
Powering Madagascar’s future: Unleashing private investment to achieve energy goals
Madagascar is endowed with significant renewable energy resources and yet has one of the largest energy access deficits in the world. Only 36% of the
The effects of a progressive tax reform
Tax progressivity is a cornerstone of government redistribution efforts worldwide. Yet, despite its widespread use, much remains unknown about how individuals respond – not just
