In 2026, the OECD must prioritise restoring productivity growth as the foundation of long-term prosperity. Years of rising barriers, bureaucracy and tax burdens have eroded business dynamism. To reverse this trend, we need bold, cross-cutting structural reforms that enhance the framework conditions for private sector investment, innovation, and job creation. Fair competition, efficient regulation, lean governments and access to finance remain powerful engines of our economic competitiveness.

Simplifying and improving regulatory frameworks is essential to reignite growth. Smart, streamlined, and well-enforced rules create the stability and predictability businesses need to make long-term investments and strategic decisions. This is especially critical for modernizing aging infrastructure and energy systems — key drivers of competitiveness, productivity, and trade. In 2026, the OECD must step up efforts to close infrastructure gaps and tackle regulatory fragmentation and burden head-on.

As governments face increasing debt and fiscal pressures, tax policy must support — not hinder — private sector-led growth. In 2026, Business at OECD will continue to advocate for administrable, predictable tax rules and support the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework to advance practical measures for Pillar Two implementation — including a permanent safe harbour and meaningful simplification of compliance obligations. Promoting tax certainty, improving dispute prevention and resolution, and advancing pro-growth tax policies — including on mobility and development — remain central to our agenda.

Strengthening competitiveness does not mean shutting out competitors. To counter rising protectionism, managed trade, and state-led industrial policies, the OECD must reaffirm the benefits of open, rules-based and non-discriminatory trade and investment. Businesses need predictable, transparent frameworks for cross-border activity — not fragmented systems shaped by unilateralism, economic nationalism or great power rivalry. The OECD should caution against the risks of sectoral tariffs and strategic trade barriers, which may also lead to a rise in illicit trade activity and promote diversification options — especially among “like-minded” economies. Plurilateral cooperation is needed to uphold a well-functioning global trading system with the WTO at its core.

The global digital landscape is marked by accelerating innovation, geopolitical realignment, and increasing divergence in technology governance. As a result, the widespread adoption of new technologies must follow a principled approach that safeguards individual rights, privacy, and ethical standards. Promoting open, resilient, and interoperable digital ecosystems remains essential. Business at OECD will continue to engage with the OECD to support international cooperation and policy coherence, ensuring that innovation contributes to resilient economic growth and shared prosperity.

Despite resilient labour markets, many working-age individuals remain outside the workforce and shortages persist in key sectors. Demographic shifts make it an imperative to align skills, education, and labour market policies with future economic needs. In 2026, the OECD must focus on boosting labour mobility and participation in the labour market across all groups and align skills with the actual needs of employers. Business at OECD will advocate for policies that unlock untapped potential and broad-based participation, while harnessing digital technologies, including AI, to drive productivity and job creation.

Economic strength remains a key geopolitical factor. In a fast-changing world, the OECD must sharpen its focus on economic risks, resilience, and security. As more diversification — and not less — increases the scope for businesses to cushion shocks, Business at OECD will work with the OECD to address critical dependencies in close collaboration with the private sector, including for critical minerals. As defence spending rises, the OECD should help mitigate fiscal crowding-out, clarify long-term demand, prevent supply chain distortions, and promote transparent, market-driven procurement.

Business leadership will be critical to effectively address environmental challenges – including on climate change, biodiversity loss, and plastics pollution. As government priorities evolve, the OECD has a key role to enable constructive public-private dialogue to ensure sustainability policies are not only environmentally effective, but also economically efficient. As increasing resource productivity provides an essential opportunity to promote environmental benefits, strengthen supply security, and improve industrial competitiveness at the same time, the OECD should build additional momentum in this area.

As health and food systems remain foundational to the global economy, sustained and adequate investment is essential to strengthen overall economic resilience. In 2026, we must advance transformational solutions that make these systems more productive, efficient and sustainable – including through the expanded use of digital technologies. The OECD should continue to foster public-private and cross-ministerial cooperation in both sectors, ensuring collaboration is not limited to crisis periods, but embedded as a constant practice for long-term stability and innovation.