Nurturing Networks ― Why Europe and Central Asia's Regional and Global Connections Matter

The report will take an innovative approach to measuring multidimensional connectivity by relying on both economic relationships and network analysis. In addition to capturing how information, people, goods, and finance flow within Europe and Central Asia (ECA) and between ECA and the rest of the world, this allows for the identification of countries that are more connected (in a multidimensional sense) and whether it matters for a country to whom it is connected. It is better (in terms of growth and shared prosperity) to be more connected to well-connected countries, countries that are closer to the frontier of technology, or countries that share different endowments? Is there a connectivity-stability trade-off? The focus on drivers of multidimensional connectivity will deepen our understanding of how policy can support the positive impacts of specific aspects of regional and global integration to boost growth and shared prosperity.

The World Bank came into formal existence in 1945 following the international ratification of the Bretton Woods agreements. It is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. The organization's activities are focused on education, health, agriculture and rural development, environmental protection, establishing and enforcing regulations, infrastructure development, governance and legal institutions development. The World Bank is made up of two unique development institutions owned by its 185 Member Countries. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) focuses on middle income and creditworthy poor countries and the International Development Association (IDA), which focuses on the poorest countries in the world.