Economic policy

Abstract

Economic policy is the raison d'être of the OECD. It is part of its brand name and at the core of its mission statement. This chapter examines the structures and methods used by the OECD Secretariat and its committees in order to elaborate economic policy analysis and general or country-specific recommendations, as well as the associated outputs, including the required collection of internationally comparable economic data and the elaboration of indicators. It addresses the two main pillars of economic policy advice by the OECD: on the macroeconomic policy stance; and on the underpinning structural reforms, which increasingly cover an ever wider range of policy areas. Finally, the chapter attempts to understand the evolution of OECD economic policy advice within the evolution of the prevailing policy paradigm, as OECD work has tracked the broader macro and micro economic policy debate to incorporate concerns about sustainable growth and inclusion.