The Changing Nature of Work: 30 signals to consider for a sustainable future

SIGNAL 30. Policy development

Worldwide, the role of entrepreneurs is recognized as one of the cornerstones of prosperous and resilient societies; governments accordingly seek resources and models that would effectively leverage national competitive advantages and support entrepreneurship as the driving force for innovation. Key policy questions revolve around classic categories such as taxation and reducing barriers for entrepreneurs. In addition, we see emerging policy initiatives on inclusive entrepreneurship (involving youth, the elderly, women, refugee businesses, etc.) and innovative regulatory models that aim to catch up with the new business and financial models.

As regards regulatory policy, issues of consumer protection that gradually shift towards personal data protection and legislation are high on the agenda. Governments very often address these challenges by applying a user-centred approach and behavioural insights that aim to simplify regulations.

Innovative and alternative policy regulations are also becoming more common as governments seek models that are more responsive to the changing environment and technologies. Some of these regulations include: the adoption of ‘stock-flow linkage rules’, such as the one-for-one rule, which states that for each new ‘burden’ (i.e. a regulatory action), an old one should be removed from the framework; and the creation of ‘regulatory sandboxes’ that enable rapid testing of new business instruments under regulators’ supervision. These practices are not widespread in Europe and Central Asia, but are slowly gaining traction in UNDP programme countries in Europe, and we should expect a wider application in the near future.

Next, governments target policies concerning small and medium-sized enterprises to leverage strategic sectors where national competitive advantage can be strengthened. These sectors include software, nanotechnology, biotechnology and clean technologies, and more emphasis is put on the role of small firms. With the adoption of the new European Green Deal5, more focus will be put on clean-tech and climate innovations.

Finally, we might see more policy emphasis given to promoting inclusive entrepreneurship, built on the principles of equal opportunity and universal values. Promoting female entrepreneurship programmes is already common in Europe, as well as addressing the unemployment problem with business development measures. In the context of an ageing population, we can also expect more programmes targeting senior entrepreneurs.

Learn more about all the 30 emerging signals about the changing nature of work here.

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The Changing Nature of Work: 30 signals to consider for a sustainable future

Work helps sustain livelihoods and largely determines the quality of life. Its changing nature is at the frontier of development. This report is the result of a broad horizon scanning by six UNDP Accelerator Labs across Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States.  They reveal 30 signals that shape the “where, who, how, and why” of the changing nature of work. From the impact of COVID-19 on the workforce to new work models and entrepreneurial ecosystems, the authors explore opportunities and threats, as well as solutions from local contexts that can be scaled up into positive answers to the challenges people around the world are facing.  Download the full report here.