Editorial: IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Labour market issues are high on the research and policy agendas both in developed and in developing countries. In the former, the impact of the Great Recetssion, socio-demographic changes, and other developments raise questions about the adequacy of current welfare policies and labor market institutions. In the latter, it is deemed necessary to increase coverage and effectiveness of social and labor market policies with the goal of reducing inequality and poverty without retarding growth. In this context, providing both original empirical workon public-policy related issues in labor economics, as well as papers that synthesize research that informs labor market policies, should be a welcome venture both for researchers and practitioners. The value of this venture will be enhanced if it incorporates a fast decision making and publication process, and free worldwide electronic access aiming at the widest possible diffusion.