Growth in Services : Fostering Employment, Productivity and Innovation

At Its Meeting In May 2003, The Ministerial Council Asked The Oecd To Analyse The Contribution Made By The Services Sector To Employment Growth, Productivity And Innovation, And To Identify Factors, Institutions And Policies That Could Enhance The Growth Prospects Of This Sector. In Response To This Request, The Oecd Launched A Cross-directorate Study. This Report Draws The Main Policy Conclusions From The Project. It Complements The Oecd Report On Trade And Structural Adjustment, Which Provides Policy Directions On How Oecd Countries Can Adjust To International Trade. Together, These Reports Present A Concrete Policy Agenda On How To Strengthen Growth Performance And Address Globalisation, Structural Change And The Shift To Services. Executive Summary -- Introduction -- Reform Regulations In Services To Enhance Performance And Create New Opportunities -- National And International Efforts Are Needed To Open Markets To International Trade In Services -- Labour Markets Require Reform To Create New Employment Opportunities In Services -- Removing Tax Obstacles To The Expansion Of The Services Sector -- Adapting Innovation Policies To The Growth Of Services -- Seizing The Benefits From Ict In Services -- Conclusions Organisation For Economic Co-operation And Development