Jobs are the lifeblood for national economies and family budgets. The search for economic opportunity often drives people to move around the globe. The most educated and highly skilled workers are in demand, and immigration policies often reflect that priority. Less skilled would-be immigrants, however, are often subject to tighter restrictions – even in nations where native citizens refuse to take on harvesting, construction, cleaning or other difficult tasks. Advanced technology reduces the need for labor; employers also rely on outsourcing, contract workers and the internet for digital work, including tax preparation, X-ray analysis or graphic design. Nations fiercely compete for jobs while multinational corporations reduce labor costs to increase profits.

Beyond Factory Floor: China’s Plan to Nurture Talent

Determined to hone innovation, China reforms education, invests in talent incubators
Xu Liyan, Qiu Jing
September 10, 2012

7 Reasons to Expect US Manufacturing Resurgence

Lower wages, high productivity – despite disinterest in science – boost US manufacturing
Farok J. Contractor
August 7, 2012

Designing Fair Shares Prosperity in Asia

Asia’s future depends on sustainable investments, prosperity shared by all, not export-led growth
Chandran Nair
May 31, 2012

Can Social Media Campaigns End Child Labor?

Global consumers hold the power to end abuses with informed choice
Humphrey Hawksley
February 10, 2012

Tax Reform May Not Bring US Jobs Back

Rising productivity, not taxes, is behind drop in US manufacturing jobs
David Dapice
February 3, 2012

Foreign Workers Welcome, But No Permanent Residents, Please

Asian nations relying on migrant workers must develop fair policies that respect human rights
Philip Bowring
November 11, 2011