The work-from-home wage premium
Studies have found that workers typically value the option to work from home and are willing to accept sizable wage cuts in exchange for it,
A silver lining to the European energy crisis: Energy efficiency, productivity, and potential output
The 2022 natural gas price shock triggered the largest rise in fossil fuel prices in Europe since the 1970s. This column examines the impact on
EU barriers to scaling up: The case of fragmented product markets
European firms tend to be smaller and less productive than US firms. Qualitative and survey-based evidence suggests that one key reason is the remaining barriers
Embracing AI in Europe: New evidence from harmonised central bank business surveys
Artificial intelligence is spreading quickly among European firms. Using new surveys from Germany, Italy, and Spain, this column shows that adoption rates of generative AI
The EU fiscal framework undermines innovation and security
European member states may now exceed deficit limits if the borrowing finances defence. This column argues that this fiscal exemption is economically incoherent: it subsidises
The role of wages in retaining effective teachers in the classroom
Concerns about declining student achievements have become central in education debates, with teacher quality drawing attention as a key driver. This column examines how wages
Following the tracks: How digital monitoring expands access to mechanization in agriculture.
Low agricultural productivity in developing countries is often linked to limited mechanization. Using tractors for land preparation can significantly increase farm productivity, but most farmers
Is AI making us smarter or just making us look smart?
Here’s an uncomfortable truth: Students can ace every assignment in class and learn virtually nothing. Conversely, they can struggle through tasks and learn quite a
Leading firms are falling behind in developing East Asia
For decades, East Asia has been a paragon of economic dynamism. But today, in an era of rapid global technological advances, productivity growth in the
Education is a key to jobs, growth, and lifelong learning
Education is a foundation for good jobs and the surest way out of poverty. We know a good education equips learners with important foundational skills—literacy, numeracy,
