This overview discusses some key findings of the papers presented at the conference and draws some policy conclusions from them in the context of the broader literature. The papers and the wider academic discussion are sorted into three broad groups. The first looks at macroeconomic issues: The...

Europe's growth outlook has weakened notably in the wake of the global financial crisis, and policy-makers are understandably preoccupied with achieving a near-term rebound. But sustained growth can only be achieved by also addressing the structural causes of low growth. One such element is...

I summarize the main results and policy insights from the 2011 EIB Conference on "Productivity and Long-Term Growth Potential in Europe". Europe's need for productivity growth has become more pressing against the backdrop of huge government debt and a beginning slowdown in labour supply. The...