Such limited competition has not facilitated the adoption of new productivity-enhancing technologies, especially information and communication technologies which, in recent years, has played a decisive role in boosting productivity growth in the United States. But Europe is indeed making increasing use of information technology. That is true, but particularly in the production of goods, much less in the services sector.
Although the impact of modern technology on employment and prosperity is expected to be overall positive9, there are issues that need to be tackled, mainly relating to the structure of work and to social cohesion. In this regard, policies to ensure that the benefits of technology are equitably shared across society will be key to the achievement of sustainability goals in the long run.