How and why work-from-home rates differ across countries and people
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the shift to work from home around the world, but with significant cross-country variations. This column explores how factors such
The geography of EU discontent and the regional development trap
Political discontent has been on the rise across Europe. This column draws on the concept of regional ‘development traps’ to examine the complex relationship between
Changing central bank pressures and inflation
Despite the large surge in inflation across advanced economies since 2021, long-term expectations are mostly in line with central bank targets. However, this column argues
The promises and pitfalls of a green supply chain
Global supply chains are central to economic policy debates. This column examines recent attempts to regulate climate sustainability within supply chains. By analysing the corporate
Transformation of activities and risks between bank and non-bank financial intermediaries
Non-bank financial intermediaries have surpassed banks as the largest global financial intermediaries, yet they remain lightly regulated. This column argues that the intermediation activities and
Open science as a means for development aid: Fostering scientific research and innovation
Access to existing work and technical information is key to the emergence of new scientific knowledge and innovation. But access to academic publications is particularly
Unlocking efficiency: Optimal monetary policy when capital misallocation matters
The design of monetary policy has traditionally considered aggregate total factor productivity as an exogenous variable over which the central bank has no control. This
The impact of higher interest rates on UK firms
Firms across many advanced economies have faced a significant increase in the interest rates paid on borrowing and received on deposits since 2021. This column
Sailing through storms: The fallout of Red Sea disruptions for global trade and inflation
Attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea are jeopardising trade in a crucial maritime shipping route. This column discusses the consequences for oil prices,
Cool cities: The value of urban trees
Cities are warming faster than their rural surroundings. But the ecosystem support provided by urban forestry is often omitted from climate policies due to the
