Our universities play a special role in generating the skills and new ideas that drive national economic and social progress. But can they do more to lift their local communities?
Category: Regions
Has COVID-19 Triggered an Urban Exodus?
Remote working could help rejuvenate rural areas that have been struggling with both population decline and subdued economic growth. Improving internet access and service provision will be beneficial and help close the gap between them and leading regions…
Migration supporting regional development: Lessons for the Ukraine refugee crisis
The arrival of migrants in OECD regions is not new. In 2019 alone, 5.3 million new permanent migrants settled in OECD countries, many moving from one OECD country to another. These included foreign doctors, nurses and scientists.
Infrastructure: laying the foundations for the recovery
Infrastructure investment can transform prospects for regions and cities. It can reduce digital divides, connect people, firms and places, and put us on track for a carbon-neutral future.
Reflecting on a future defined by mobility
Dr. Khanna urges decision-makers to step up their efforts to attract young talent and to build the conditions for migrants to thrive. This includes local investments in sustainable infrastructure, renewables and the circular economy – all to allow for a radical reshuffle of the world’s population in the face of climate change and digitalisation, among other things.
Shrinking without sinking: Lessons from Estonia
Estonia is shrinking. The country’s population has contracted by 15% since 1991, to 1.3 million in 2020, and projections expect this trend to continue. What’s more, the trend is uneven. Among Estonians who remain, many leave remote and rural areas for bigger cities.
The workers leaving cities in favor of the countryside – And what it means for business
Two years after the onset of COVID-19, the future of work remains a topic of lively, even heated, debate. Early in the pandemic, some were quick to announce the demise of the centre-city office. The apparent success of remote work, they said, would lead to a revival of the suburbs, exurbs, and rural areas, with “work hubs” popping up as needed.
Unlocking water security in Africa: Mayors hold the key
With mounting pressures on water resources from climate, urbanisation and demographic trends in Africa, more partnerships between national and local leaders are needed. Mayors in particular now need to turn the key to unlock the development of better water policies for better lives.