Annual RPN Conference on Global Imbalances, Competitiveness and Innovation
Agenda
The CEPR Research Policy Network on European Economic Policy, jointly with the European Investment Bank and the European Stability Mechanism organise an academic conference on “Global Imbalances, Competitiveness and Innovation”, to be held on at the European Investment Bank, Luxembourg,
Persistent global imbalances remain a defining feature of the international economic landscape. Europe occupies a central position in this context as a major net saver, characterised by sustained current account surpluses and significant outward capital flows. While these patterns reflect structural characteristics of European economies, they also raise important questions about Europe’s growth model, its contribution to global demand, and the macroeconomic implications of prolonged external surpluses.
At the same time, concerns about Europe’s weak productivity growth, rising competitive pressures in global markets, demographic change, and institutional rigidities have intensified. All this challenges Europe’s ability to sustain long-term growth and maintain its position in high value-added activities. These trends have implications for income growth within Europe and its role in the global economy.
Addressing these challenges requires more innovation for boosting productivity, strengthening competitiveness, and supporting a more balanced and resilient growth model. Important questions remain how to best channel investments into productive areas, allocate savings toward productive investment, and the financing of European corporates.
This conference will bring together researchers working at the intersection of international macroeconomics, productivity, and innovation to advance understanding of these issues and to inform European economic policy debates.