Local problems, local solutions: The need for advanced skills and R&D in the developing world
Education is part of the enabling infrastructure required for jobs, social development, and future economic growth. Unfortunately, low- and middle-income countries face an urgent skills
The economic impact of European capital market integration
Economic growth in Europe continues to lag behind that of the US, largely due to smaller productivity gains. This column uses a general equilibrium model
25% inflation, 50 years on
UK CPI inflation in 1975 reached 25%, a period now known as the ‘Great Inflation’. This column uses a range of empirical and narrative evidence
Working hours around the world
Working hours are a fundamental determinant of economic growth and wellbeing, but we still lack a comprehensive picture of how they vary globally and historically.
Soviet communism was not more successful at reducing inequality than other regimes
Inequality is a major concern for many economies, prompting the question of whether some regimes are more effective at reducing inequality than others. This column
China can decarbonise the world – but even that won’t fix its overcapacity problem
China is on track to meet global green-tech demand but needs to pivot from manufacturing to infrastructure. China is crucial role to the world’s green
Advantages and pitfalls of green public procurement as a European strategic tool
Green public procurement supports EU climate goals but may conflict with other objectives, creating trade-offs that challenge its effectiveness. Public procurement, or the purchasing of
How much of a threat to US debt sustainability is Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act?
The US should start fiscal adjustment as soon as it can if it wants to head off the risk of exploding debt related to Trump’s
How to manage migration in an ageing country
With working-age populations projected to decline rapidly, all European countries face an unprecedented demographic challenge. Inflows of regular foreign workers are thus key to support
How real-time data misled policymakers during the post-COVID recovery
Preliminary data releases can diverge significantly from subsequently revised figures, complicating economic policy decisions made in real time. This column shows how real-time GDP releases
