- by Mary Hallward-Dremeier
- by Leonardo Iacovone
Europe faces a digital dilemma. New digital technologies can help Europe become more competitive. However, while some of these new technologies create or expand access to markets for smaller firms and in lagging regions, others can create challenges for the European convergence machine if they concentrate economic activity in large firms and leading regions.
This discussion focused on how Europe can meet its "triple objective" to improve competitiveness while fostering market inclusion for smaller firms and economic convergence for citizens and regions, and the relevance of some of the approaches for other countries in Europe and Central Asia.
Mary C. Hallward-Driemeier is a Senior Economic Adviser in the Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation Global Practice at the World Bank Group, overseeing the analytical agenda on issues of private sector development, technology and productivity. A Canadian national, she joined the World Bank in 1997 as a Young Professional. She has published widely on entrepreneurship, firm productivity and firm dynamics, the impact of financial crises, and women's economic empowerment.
Habib Rab is a Program Leader for Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions at the World Bank Group in Turkey. He has 20 years of experience working on macroeconomics, fiscal management, and structural reform issues in countries across Africa, Asia, and currently in Europe and Central Asia. Before joining the Bank in 2008 he worked in the UK Government Economic Service and as an Overseas Development Institute Fellow. He holds Masters and Bachelors degrees in Economics from the University of Oxford, and University College London.