Economic Research Forum (ERF)

Achim D Schmillen

Author

Achim D Schmillen
Senior Economist, Social Protection & Labor, World Bank

Achim Schmillen is a Senior Economist with the World Bank’s Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice with more than ten years of experience in the areas of labor markets, labor market policies, migration, jobs and social protection. His expertise spans high quality analytic work and internationally visible research; extensive advisory activities and high-level policy dialogue; and hands-on operational field work and technical assistance in Bhutan, China, Germany, Malaysia, Mongolia, the United States and other countries. Achim joined the World Bank in 2013 through the Young Professionals Program and initially worked in the South Asia Human Development Unit. In 2014, he moved to the Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice and began to focus on the broader East Asia and Pacific region. Previous work experience includes appointments with America’s National Bureau of Economic Research and the Institute for Employment Research, the research institute of Germany’s Federal Employment Agency. He holds both a Master’s Degree and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Regensburg and was a visiting researcher at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, Los Angeles.

Content by this Author

The future of work: race with – not against – the machine

History suggests that in the long term, fears of technology leading to job loss and reduced wages are misplaced. But in the short and medium term, dislocation can be severe for certain types of work, places and populations. This column argues that in the transition period, policies are needed to facilitate labour market flexibility and mobility, to introduce and strengthen safety nets and social protection, and to improve education and training.

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Untapped talent, unrealised growth: jobs and women in the MENAAP region

Only around one in five women of working age participate in the labour markets of the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan. As this column explains, the region can no longer afford to leave half its human capital underused. Expanding women’s labour force participation is central to growth and resilience in the face of looming demographic change.

Closing the gender gap in political participation in MENA

Women across the Middle East and North Africa participate less than men in politics – not only in political parties and elections, but also in petitions, boycotts, protests and strikes. This column reports evidence from ten countries showing that differences in education, employment and political attitudes explain part of this disparity, yet a significant gender gap remains.

Labour demand and informal employment in Egypt’s manufacturing sector

Egypt’s manufacturing sector faces a dual challenge of weak job creation and persistent informality. Drawing on survey evidence on business behaviour and labour market dynamics, this column explains why job creation is limited and informal work remains such an integral part of how firms organise production. The generation of more formal jobs requires a comprehensive policy approach, one that goes beyond enforcement of labour regulations to reshape the economic environment in which firms and workers make decisions.

Challenges of conflict and industrial policy for development

How effective is industrial policy as a tool for long-term economic growth and development? Against the backdrop of the conflict currently engulfing the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP), a new report argues that while industrial policies are widely used across the region, they can only address market failures and foster growth when they are aligned with country capabilities, implemented with accountability and backed by capable institutions.




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