Europe’s productivity slowdown poses global competitiveness challenges

Despite a significant expansion in net employment over the past three decades, Europe has experienced a more profound slowdown in productivity than other developed regions. This poses challenges for the bloc in terms of competitiveness and economic growth, particularly in a new era of AI, as developed regions race to harness the economic potential of new technologies.

The new episode of Eurofound Talks looks at why Europe has experienced a more profound slowdown in growth compared to other developed regions, and why greater labour input and higher human capital has not translated into higher output per worker. In the episode Mary McCaughey and Eurofound Senior Research Manager John Hurley also discuss whether Europe can, and should, look to compete with countries such as the United States and China in the race to harness artificial intelligence.

They also examine the role of the European social model in the global economic context, as well as how this correlates with the broader commitment of the EU to improve the living and working conditions of people across the bloc.

Listen to the episode for free on our dedicated page, or on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.