Europe and Central Asia Productivity Conference 2024

Join us for this pivotal event to explore the future of productivity in the ECA region and beyond!

This high-level conference aims to assess cutting-edge research on the factors influencing productivity dynamics in the ECA region and to derive valuable insights that are globally applicable. Organized in collaboration with the Chief Economist's Office for ECA, the event seeks to deepen our understanding of productivity drivers in this region. We are privileged to have esteemed speakers who will discuss current trends and opportunities related to technology and innovation, sustainable growth, and trade and investment.

Watch Day 1 Recording

Watch Day 2 Recording

Day 1 - Wednesday, June 5

• Welcome remarks| 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST
  Ivailo Izvorski Presentation
• Session 1: Productivity, Technology, and Management | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST
  This session will focus on links between technology, innovation, management, entrepreneurship, and productivity growth with global lessons for ECA. It will tackle three key questions: (1) What is the evidence on the drivers and obstacles of technology adoption? (2) What is the role of management and innovation in driving growth? (3) What is the evidence about policies to promote innovation and productivity?
  Diego Comin Presentation
  John VanReenen Presentation

• Session 2: Productivity, Innovation, and Green Transition | 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM EST
  This session will focus on links between green transition, innovation, and growth. It will tackle two key questions: (1) What is the evidence about the existence of trade-offs between growth and climate objectives, and how can we use this evidence to simulate policies that affect both innovation and green growth? (2) What is the emerging evidence on innovation market failures that may hamper green transition and how to implement effective policies to address them?
  Martin Ralf Presentation
  Sarah Armitage Presentation

Day 2 - Thursday, June 6

• Welcome remarks | 9:00 AM - 9:10 AM EST
• Session 3: Productivity, Global Value Chains (GVC), and Trade | 9:10 AM - 10:30 AM EST 
  This session will focus on links between trade and productivity. It will tackle two key questions: (1) What are the gains from trade in the presence of firms’ heterogeneity and resource misallocation? (2) What is the evidence on the relationship between trade, productivity, and inclusive growth in the context of developing economies?
  Kalina Manova Presentation
  Nina Pavcnik Presentation
• Session 4: Exploring Key Productivity Drivers | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM EST
  This session will focus on evidence and lessons about drivers of productivity trends based on recent evidence. It will tackle two key questions. (1) What are the drivers and explanations of the long-term slowdown of productivity, and what policies would be required to change these? (2) How does the emerging importance of intangible investments help explain recent productivity trends?
  Chiara Criscuolo Presentation
  John Haltinwager Presentation
• Closing Panel: Challenges to Productivity Growth in ECA: Current Priorities and Lessons From the Past | 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM EST
  Kori Udovicki Presentation
  Roman Arjona Presentation

Full Agenda