Focus areasInformation and knowledge in respect of employment policy and research is fragmented. The availability of web-based tools can be creatively used to address this. The HSRC has established a web-based service focusing on employment dynamics and policy to service South African users, including experts, policy makers, organised labour, the business sector, NGOs and other stakeholders. It also serves as an employment policy networking hub the developing world, and in Africa particularly. Visit the website at: http://www.employment-policy.net/ Employment policy is increasingly being seen as an important focus in the broader agenda amongst developing countries. Examples of this shift are represented in the Ouagadougou Declaration on “Employment and Poverty Alleviation” (adopted by the African Union Extraordinary Summit of 3 to 9 September 2004), and recent efforts by the World Bank to bolster its focus on employment (as evidenced by its launch of a labour policy network based at IZA in Bonn, Germany). There are employment policy networks based in developed countries, focusing on developed economy questions. There are emerging networks and information available from multi-lateral agencies such as the World Bank and the ILO. However, there are limited examples of employment policy networks and think-tanks in the developing world. This is particularly the case in Africa. As with most research agencies, the HSRC posts its own knowledge production. This project will shift from that approach to offer a trusted, well-organised site that coordinates the best available research and information on employment and inclusive growth issues in a developing country context. The web portal will act as a connector for an employment network. These postings will be supported by a range of other services, including a seminar series and policy briefings.
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