Foreword and acknowledgements

The globalisation of trade and economic activity has contributed to improving living standards, boosted productivity and encouraged countries to specialise in their areas of comparative advantage. However, these same processes have also brought new challenges. The gains from globalisation have not always been evenly felt within countries – some regions and cities have benefitted far more than others. In response to such growing inequalities, OECD member countries are adopting policies to ensure that the benefits from globalisation are sustainable and inclusive for all citizens and regions. The importance of this was recently reinforced by the 2016 OECD Ministerial Council Statement on enhancing productivity for inclusive growth.