Rethinking economic transformation for sustainable and inclusive development

Moving towards economically, socially and environmentally sustainable societies is the direction of travel, but the current speed of progress has been slow. Recent reports on the status of climate change and biodiversity testify to the inadequate action taken to change the development paths of economies despite global commitments to the contrary.

As the world struggles with significant environmental challenges, it is clear that the "brown" structural transformation paths of the past—typically characterized by heavy industrialization at the cost of environmental degradation—are neither feasible nor desirable. Instead, countries are challenged to pursue “green” and more productive patterns of structural transformation that lead to increased social and environmental justice. What’s needed to get the job done and reach the overall objective of green structural transformation?

“Rethinking Economic Transformation for Sustainable and Inclusive Development Turning a Corner?” responds to this question by offering different policy paths for policymakers aspiring to put their countries on a more sustainable trajectory.

Bringing together leading scholars and practitioners, it takes an interdisciplinary approach to transforming economic structures so as to increase the number of productive jobs, and examines past and current development pathways for creating a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient future. Providing policymakers and organizations with informed guidance, the book offers innovative solutions to pressing challenges, such as how developing countries can rethink policy instruments and economic steering mechanisms. It also examines how structural transformation can be used to promote growth, decent jobs and skills through the use of green industrial policies.