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Southern Arizona has developed into a hub of light-based industries but ranks near the bottom third of US cities in per capita income. State funding for education is in decline, accentuated by the economic crisis, and the public good of tertiary education is under threat. In a time of financial stringency, how can the University of Arizona and community colleges preserve their existing strengths and address the needs of the diverse population? How can the region and its tertiary education institutions fuel local growth and create high quality jobs and new businesses? How can the institutions prepare for the post-crisis economy and help diversify the economy? This publication is part of a series of reviews that help mobilise higher education institutions for economic, social and cultural development of cities and regions. They analyse how the higher education system impacts upon regional and local development and bring together universities, other higher education institutions and public and private agencies to identify strategic goals and to work towards them.

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This publication examines recent economic developments, policies and prospects in Australia. Special chapters cover taxes and transfers, and federal-state relations. A main finding is that Australia's material living standards and well-being compare well internationally, reflecting a well-managed and successful economy. Recommendations are made in relation to: ensuring price and financial stability; pursuing fiscal consolidation and ensuring efficient tax and public spending; improving framework conditions for business; encouraging employment, deepening skills and addressing inequality; and tackling environmental challenges.

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This is the second in a series of statistical annuals from the OECD, providing over 100 indicators relating to the economy, agriculture, education, energy, environment, foreign aid, health and quality of life, industry, information and communications, population/labour force, trade and investment, taxation, public expenditure and debt, and research and development (R&D). Data are provided for all OECD member countries, and in some cases, for selected non-member countries as well. Time series cover, in most cases, from 1990 onwards and in many cases have data for selected years going back as far as 1960. For each indicator, there is a two-page entry. The left hand page includes a short introduction and a detailed definition of the indicator, comments on comparability of the data, an assessment of long-term trends related to the indicator, and a listing of documentation providing further information on the indicator. The right hand page contains the data table and a graphic, which presents the key message provided by the data. A dynamic link is provided for each chart and table to a Web page where the data is available to download in Excel format. For some indicators, there are supplementary tables. The annual also has a special section on economic globalisation.

The 2005 edition is indexed at TD/TNC 82.131, the 2007 edition is indexed at TD/TNC 90.87, the 2008 edition is indexed at TD/TNC 92.980 and the 2009 edition is indexed at TD/TNC 95.740. Show less

The State of Victoria is a knowledge-intensive centre for Australia: educational services are Victoria's strongest export worth more than AUD five billion, surpassing tourism and automotive sectors. Victoria is a magnet for immigration and the international student enrolment represents over 30 per cent of the total for Australia. The higher education system in Australia is moving to a more competitive phase with the decision that the government funding will follow students wherever they choose to enroll. How can Victoria continue to increase participation in higher education and widen access to lower socio-economic groups? How can its higher education institutions help transform Victoria into an innovative state with knowledge-intensive industries and jobs? This publication explores a range of helpful policy measures and institutional reforms to mobilise higher education for regional development. It is part of the series of the OECD reviews of Higher Education in Regional and City Development. These reviews help mobilise higher education institutions for economic, social and cultural development of cities and regions. They analyse how the higher education system impacts upon regional and local development and bring together universities, other higher education institutions and public and private agencies to identify strategic goals and to work towards them.

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Catalonia is the main contributor to Spain's economy. For a long time it has led strategic investment in research and development in Spain and developed highly successful programmes to attract talent. The region also has a unique identity with its own language and a distinct cultural heritage. Catalonia is now feeling the effects of the economic crisis. How can it prepare for the post-crisis economy with the help of the university system? How can it balance attracting expertise from abroad with nurturing talent among its diverse population? How can it unleash the potential of universities to contribute to local and regional development? This publication is part of the series of OECD reviews of Higher Education in Regional and City Development. These reviews help mobilise higher education institutions for economic, social and cultural development of cities and regions. They analyse how the higher education system impacts upon regional and local development and bring together universities, other higher education institutions and public and private agencies to identify strategic goals and to work towards them.

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This report notes that Colombia has made major economic and social advances in recent years. The combination of strong economic growth and policies targeted at the most vulnerable groups improved considerably the living standards of the Colombian population. Today, the country enjoys higher employment and labour force participation rates than the average of OECD countries and unemployment is steadily declining. Nevertheless, despite these positive trends, deep structural problems remain. Labour informality is widespread, the rate of self-employment is high and many employees have non-regular contracts. Income inequality is higher than in any OECD country and redistribution through taxes and benefits is almost negligible. In addition, half a century of internal conflict and violence has displaced a significant part of the population, and many of them are living in extreme poverty. Despite considerable progress, violence continues to be a challenge and also affects trade union members and leaders.

The Colombian government has undertaken important reforms in recent years to address these labour market and social challenges, and the efforts are gradually paying off. However, further progress is needed to enhance the quality of jobs and well-being for all. The main thrust of this report is to support the Colombian government in tackling labour market duality, generate trust between the social partners, develop inclusive and active social policies, and get the most out of international migration. The contents are as follows: Strong growth but unequal Colombian society; Towards more equal job opportunities in Colombia; Enforcing labour rights in Colombia; Improving redistribution in Colombia through social policy; Making the most out of international migration for Colombia.

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OECD Factbook 2008 is the fourth edition of a comprehensive and dynamic statistical annual from the OECD. More than 100 indicators cover a wide range of areas: economy, agriculture, education, energy, environment, foreign aid, health and quality of life, industry, information and communications, population/labour force, trade and investment, taxation, public expenditure and R&D. This year, the OECD Factbook features a focus chapter on productivity. Data are provided for all OECD member countries with area totals, and in some cases, for selected non-member economies. For each indicator, there is a two-page spread. A text page includes a short introduction followed by a detailed definition of the indicator, comments on comparability of the data, an assessment of long-term trends related to the indicator, and a list of references for further information on the indicator. The next page contains a table and a graph providing - at a glance - the key message conveyed by the data.

The 2005 edition is indexed at TD/TNC 82.131, the 2006 edition is indexed at TD/TNC 86.81, the 2007 edition is indexed at TD/TNC 90.87 and the 2009 edition is indexed at TD/TNC 95.740.

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The labour market integration of young people from ethnic minority and immigrant backgrounds is one of those issues which government finds it a challenge to address, particularly in the current climate of growing youth unemployment. Supporting access to the labour market for all young people is typically a multifaceted issue, with both social and economic dimensions. In the case of immigrants and minority groups, it is no easier as it involves working with different cultures, traditions and customs, and in some cases, tackling intergenerational problems of exclusion. Unsurprisingly, more than one government department or agency is involved in this policy area. In fact, the stakeholders involved are many, drawn from the public service, the private sector and civil society.

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Outside the Netherlands Rotterdam is best known for its port - once the busiest in the world, and still the busiest in Europe. But the docks have moved steadily downstream and the centre of Rotterdam is very different from what it was even 50 years ago. A young and dynamic city, Rotterdam is one of the few in Europe where the average age of the population is decreasing. It is ethnically and culturally diverse and has high potential for attracting the 'creative class'. The Rotterdam region is home to two leading research universities and several other innovative higher education institutions. This report looks at how to encourage growth in the Rotterdam region, through the transfer of technology and knowledge, and through realising the potential of its people. This publication is part of the series of OECD reviews of Higher Education in Regional and City Development. These reviews help mobilise higher education institutions for economic, social and cultural development of cities and regions. They analyse how the higher education system impacts upon regional and local development and bring together universities, other higher education institutions and public and private agencies to identify strategic goals and to work towards them.

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We see the expression ‘sustainable development’ everywhere these days, but what does it mean? Can we really pursue sustainable economic growth without harming our societies and the environment? And if we pursue prosperity today, are we condemning our children and grandchildren to poverty tomorrow? The OECD works on many issues related to sustainable development - climate change, growth in developing countries, corporate social responsibility and much more. Using straightforward language and real-world examples, [this publication] draws on that expertise to explore these vital issues. [It] provides an essential introduction to the complex relationships between the economy, society and the environment. As global inequality and climate change become mainstream concerns, it asks the questions our generation needs to ask in terms everyone can understand.

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