10 must-read economics stories of the week

A list of some of the week’s most interesting stories on economic growth and social inclusion.

1. Facts and figures. Cities are a crucial driver of economic growth and innovation, but growth is not everything – cities should also provide good living conditions for their inhabitants. Find out here who tops the list of the most liveable cities in the world. (The Economist)

2. Immigrants helped create 1.3 million jobs in various industries in Germany, thus raising incomes. (The Washington Post/Bertelsmann Foundation)

3. Data released in China last week once again showed a slow-down in economic activity. Here’s a discussion of what this means. (Knowledge@Wharton)

4. What’s the role of trust in economies? (timharford.com)

5. The workforce of the Euro Area is ageing, contrary to the US workforce. This has implications for (total factor) productivity and presents a challenge to policy-makers. What can be done? (iMFdirect)

6. Increasingly, companies are integrating societal needs into their core business strategy, as captured by Fortune’s “Change the World” list. That’s good for economic growth as well as for social inclusion. (Fortune)

7. Six charts showing the link between the economy and racial inequality in Britain. (The Independent)

8. Amid the heated debate on the implications of “helicopter money”, here’s an explainer on monetary finance. (Institute for New Economic Thinking)

9. The institutions that govern capitalism are too outdated to unleash the three key ingredients for entrepreneurial societies. (Harvard Business Review)

10. Social and economic challenges in Africa are opportunities for scientific advancements that could lead the region to greater prosperity. (World Economic Forum)