Economic Survey of Czech Republic 2016

Author (Corporate)
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Series Title
Series Details June 2016
Publication Date June 2016
ISSN 0376-6438
Content Type ,

OECD iLibrary subscribers can access this title through the ESO Source url hyperlink.

Non-subscribers can sometimes access a free access read only version, or read an extended summary of the source, through the ESO related url hyperlinks.The Czech Republic needed new reforms to boost productivity, improve economic growth and accelerate convergence toward the levels of income and well-being seen in the most advanced European countries, according to the OECD report on the Czech Republic economy published in June 2016.

The report underlined the strength of the Czech economy as well as the progress achieved over the past two decades. The Survey, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Czech Republic’s accession to the OECD, projects GDP growth of 2.4% in 2016 and 2.6% in 2017.

The Survey points out that productivity growth has slowed markedly in recent years, curbing the rise of incomes and limiting advances in well-being. New reforms are needed to raise domestic innovation and improve the framework conditions that contribute to productivity growth. This should include steps to boost business R&D spending, notably by curbing the complexity of R&D policies and the innovation system, the Survey said.

Improving access to finance for SMEs and start-ups, raising skills across the labour force – with a focus on vulnerable groups – and removing high entry and exit barriers – notably steep bankruptcy costs – would boost dynamism across the economy and make growth more inclusive. Further improvements to competition policy would help successful firms growth, the Survey said.

A more effective public sector will reinforce productivity growth. Reforms should seek to boost competition in public procurement processes and improve coordination of infrastructure investment projects. Joint provision of services needs to be increased, to compensate for the small size of local government authorities, while the use of performance indicators on the efficiency and quality of services would support reforms.

The Survey discusses the challenges of increasing employment and improving social cohesion, notably concerning reconciling work and family life for parents. Removing the substantial obstacles to the employment of women with children will be key to sustaining the size of the labour force as population ageing puts increasing pressure on public finances, the Survey said.

Source Link http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/eco_surveys-cze-2016-en
Related Links
Website: OECD iLibrary http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/
OECD: Economic Surveys: Czech Republic http://www.oecd.org/eco/surveys/economic-survey-czech-republic.htm
OECD: Newsroom, 06.06.16: Czech Republic needs new reforms to boost productivity and accelerate convergence with the most advanced countries http://www.oecd.org/newsroom/czech-republic-needs-new-reforms-to-boost-productivity-and-accelerate-convergence-with-the-most-advanced-countries.htm

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