Corporate scandals and failures as well as broader economic concerns have driven OECD countries to devote increased attention to corporate governance which is now recognised as a vital factor in economic growth and financial stability. Countries hardest hit by scandals have been active in policy...

In the absence of strong government policies, the IEA projects that the worldwide use of oil in transport will nearly double between 2000 and 2030, leading to a similar increase in greenhouse gas emissions.  Biofuels, such as ethanol, biodiesel, and other liquid and gaseous fuels, could offer an...

Renewable energy has received high levels of attention in recent years as an alternative to traditional hydrocarbons.  Governments, industry and consumers have adopted and promoted renewable technologies in response to concerns about energy security and the environment, and as a solution to...

This volume contains a selection of the health policy research and analytic studies constituting the OECD Health Project. These policy studies, along with other volumes, serve as the main source material for the synthesis report of the Project, Towards High-Performing Health Systems

China has experienced spectacular economic growth since 1978, averaging 8 to 9% per year. As a result, on average, people's standard of living is far higher than ever before in China's history. However, economic disparities have also widened very significantly during this period, raising...

Innovation increases companies' competitive advantage and spurs nations' economic growth. Businesses and public research organisations now patent more inventions than they did just a few years ago, and the number of patents filed in Europe, Japan and the United States increased by more than half...

Finding a suitable work/family balance is a challenge that all parents face. Many parents and children in New Zealand, Portugal and Switzerland are happy with their existing arrangements. However, many others feel seriously constrained in one way or another, and their personal well-being suffers...

Lifelong learning is not yet a reality for all. Economic and financial factors continue to limit opportunities in ways that are neither efficient nor equitable. Part of the problem is that our societies still have the habit of viewing learning as something for the young, something that is state...

It is vital that public transport ensure accessibility for all individuals. Much progress has been made toward improving accessibility to public transport, however implementation of policies to improve accessibility has proven difficult and slow in many urban areas

The loss of biodiversity affects us in many ways. For some of us, its loss is felt in the same way that we regret the destruction of a great work of art -- it may not affect us directly, but the indirect impact is strong. For others, its loss is felt in changes in lifestyles and livelihoods --...