Overview Brief on Innovations in Public Works: Rethinking Public Works for Jobs and Skills in a Changing World

Michael Weber and Marko Bucik

No 207144, The Social Policy and Labor Discussion Paper Series from The World Bank

Abstract: Public works programs (PWPs) have long been a common choice to protect people in need by providing temporary jobs and income. They promise more than a paycheck: They offer dignity, visible community investments, and the prospect of long-term progress. But today’s world is changing fast. Climate, digital transformation, and shifting demographics are forcing us to rethink how economies can sustainably grow and create employment. Conventional PWPs, often centered on short-term, low-skilled infrastructure jobs are struggling to respond. They typically provide immediate relief but often do not generate sustained benefits. A new generation of PWPs is emerging to do more. These programs introduce innovations that improve how social policy is implemented, while supporting economic development that is inclusive, sustainable, and jobs-focused. This brief summarizes the report Innovations in Public Works: Rethinking Public Works for Jobs and Skills in a Changing World, examining new approaches that are reshaping PWPs and highlighting the opportunities and challenges they present.

Date: 2025-11-30
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