Recent technological innovation in fields such as robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence have reduced the number of workers required in a range of sectors, while lowering costs and increasing reliability. This trend has led policymakers, academics, CEOs, and entrepreneurs to ask what types of jobs will be most affected, what new skillsets will be needed for the jobs of tomorrow, and how governments can ease the transition. “The Future of Work: Regional Perspectives” considers how technology is likely to change labor markets in Africa, Developing Asia, Emerging Europe, Central Asia, Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, and Latin American and the Caribbean in the coming years. The study identifies concrete policy actions countries in these regions could take to face up to the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by emergent technology.

This report marks the third edition in this series, following assessments in 2012 and 2016. It provides a comprehensive overview of the state of play in the implementation of the ten SBA principles, and monitors progress made since 2016. It also identifies remaining challenges affecting SMEs in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries and provides recommendations to address them based on EU and international good practice examples.

Offers an analysis of economic progress in 28 countries from central Europe to central Asia. This describes the emergence of global pressures on prices, the tensions created by this and how policy-makers can respond to them. Includes a review of the emergence of global pressure on prices and liquidity in recent years and as a consequence the creation of short-term uncertainties. Reports on the tensions arising from the global strain on prices and how policy-makers should respond. Examines the longer-term challenges to sustaining economic growth. Analysis reveals how growth prospects are driven by fundamental factors such as human capital, market competition and physical infrastructure. Outlines the need for countries to diversify production and trade to sustain growth. Country-by-country assessments of the latest progress in structural reform and macroeconomic developments. Analysis is complemented by detailed economic data covering GDP, inflation, government expenditure and foreign direct investment.