DIALOGUE #1 - Demographic slowdown, productivity, wage and income dynamics: the Italian labour market to the test

"Strategies for a Transforming Italy: Demography, Work, Digitalisation and Public Policy” was a webinar series featuring experts from the OECD, running from May to November 2024.

In a rapidly evolving world, Italy and its regions face significant challenges related to demographic changes and labour shortages. These issues, common across Europe and beyond, require innovative solutions, and sharing experiences and perspectives can help identify effective responses.

Targeting public sector managers at all levels of government, it explored leading practices for addressing these challenges. The series covered topics such as integrating digitalisation into public administration, adopting artificial intelligence in businesses, policies to include underrepresented groups in the labour market and promoting lifelong education for adults. It offered a platform for inspiring practical and sustainable solutions based on international best practices.

After a successful pilot in 2023, this 2024 series of OECD Dialogues examined how Italy can chart a path towards a resilient and prosperous future by leveraging technological advances and innovative public policies.

The webinars were in Italian only.

The Italian labour market, alongside those in most OECD nations, is confronting significant challenges: the green transition, the advent of generative AI and, most critically, the swift demographic change leading to a shrinking labour force and a rise in the average age of workers. These shifts, poised to profoundly impact both businesses and workers, occur within a labour market marked by stagnant productivity and wages that have been static for over two decades. This presentation delved into the complex interplay among these factors, fostering critical reflection on the efficacy of conventional welfare tools and labour policies. It highlighted the critical need for innovative strategies aimed not only at safeguarding the economic security of workers and citizens but also at fostering equitable and inclusive growth.

Andrea Garnero, a labour economist at the OECD’s Directorate for Employment and Social Affairs, specialises in wages, collective bargaining, and the green transition. He earned a PhD in Economics from the Paris School of Economics and the Université Libre de Bruxelles. Garnero’s previous roles include positions at the European Commission and as an assistant for economic affairs and the G20 to the Council President. He contributes to the editorial team of lavoce.info.

The initiative is organised by the OECD Trento Centre for Local Development and TSM-Trentino School of Managment (Italy), in collaboration with SNA-National School of Administration (Italy). 

For more information, please contact cfetrento@oecd.org.