Europe’s productivity is more dynamic than aggregate statistics suggest
Aggregate productivity growth in Europe has disappointed over the last two decades, fuelling concerns about competitiveness. This column argues that firm-level evidence points to a
Nine centuries of cultural change and the productivity of ideas
Economic historians have long placed culture at the centre of the rise of the West, but have lacked a measure of culture spanning the emergence
Japan’s productivity transformation: From within-firm stagnation to market-driven reallocation
Discussions on Japan’s ‘lost decades’ have long focused on sluggish demand and the survival of ‘zombie’ firms. However, new evidence from microdata suggests a fundamental
The scramble for critical minerals: An old curse in a new world
Lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements are reshaping global trade and great-power politics in ways reminiscent of the earlier scramble for natural resources.
Japan’s productivity transformation: From within-firm stagnation to market-driven reallocation
Discussions on Japan’s ‘lost decades’ have long focused on sluggish demand and the survival of ‘zombie’ firms. However, new evidence from microdata suggests a fundamental
Carbon risk in loan pricing: Commitment channels and real effects
Transition risks related to climate change are increasingly recognised in equity and bond markets. This column uses syndicated loan tranches issued to US firms to
International carbon trading: a strategic lever to boost global decarbonisation
International carbon credits can support the EU’s 2040 target if buyers’ club rules and leverage ensure real mitigation gains abroad. Article 6 of the Paris
Lifelong learning is becoming increasingly important in response to labour market transformations
As digital, environmental, and demographic transformations reshape labour markets, skills influence who benefits from these changes and who falls behind. This column presents the findings
IMF strategy chief urges countries to maintain price stability
Christian Mumssen, the fund’s new director of strategy, cited a rapid succession of major shocks to the economy in recent years. The International Monetary Fund’s
Harmonising access and reinventing the procurement of innovative medicines in Europe
Europe pays for innovative medicines through 27 uncoordinated national negotiations, generating access delays, cross-country pricing externalities, and a weak position vis-à-vis both pharmaceutical firms and
