At both the national and regional level, the key concepts that underlie the cluster approach continue to be at the centre of policy formulation. This report analyses the objectives, targeting, instruments and inter-governmental role-sharing used by 26 programs to promote cluster-based approaches in 14 OECD countries.

Migration to OECD countries continues to rise, according to the latest edition of the OECD’s annual report on migration movements and policies. About four million new immigrants entered OECD countries on a permanent basis in 2005, an increase of 10 per cent from 2004.

Open trade and investment policies can be a powerful force for raising living standards. Economists have long emphasised this point and it is confirmed by much research. For example, the OECD’s Growth Study estimated that a 10 percentage point increase in trade openness translates over time into an increase of around 4% in per capita...

OECD governments have agreed on this new framework for co-operation in the enforcement of privacy laws. The initiative is motivated by a recognition that changes in the character and volume of cross-border data flows have elevated privacy risks for individuals and highlighted the need for better cooperation among the authorities charged with providing them protection.

Identity management in the online environment is seen as a key enabler for electronic business and electronic government because it facilitates the expansion of information systems and network boundaries and increases access points. Presentations from a recent OECD workshop on this topic are now available.