After coming to a halt in mid-2008, growth will turn negative in 2009. The following year a recovery will get under way as stronger domestic demand is underpinned by easier monetary policy, real income growth is supported by lower inflation, and exporters benefit from stronger world trade. However, a tight labour market will create some persistence in core inflation.

The number of broadband subscribers in the OECD rose to 235 million by December 2007, up 18% from 200 million subscribers in December 2006.This growth increased broadband penetration rates to 20 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, up from 16.9 in December 2006.

The economic expansion remained strong in 2007 and is expected to reach 3% for the second year in a row. Over the projection period above-potential growth is projected to continue, reflecting both robust domestic demand and dynamic export markets. However, labour shortages are likely to persist, partly reflecting population ageing, which will increasingly hamper the expansion of the economy. Indeed, inflation pressures are expected to increase gradually.

Despite the dot.com crash of 2001, growth in broadband has been strong. Indeed, the number of broadband Internet connections in OECD countries has risen from an average of 2.9 subscribers per 100 inhabitants in 2001 to 13.6 per 100 in December 2005.

Even a few short decades ago, power and politics seemed to be played out only at election time, when politicians would consult the people, then return to government or opposition to take care of the affairs of the state. The next election was barely on their minds. Citizens, whether through trust or ignorance, generally would ask no more of them than that.