Books

Last updated

April 6, 2024

Virginia Robano

Gender Equality in the Ceibal STEM Ecosystem

Book Cover

In “Gender Equality in Ceibal’s STEM Ecosystem,” Virginia Robano sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by Ceibal in fostering gender equity within STEM fields. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of gender diversity in driving innovation and progress, societal perceptions and institutional biases continue to hinder the full participation of women in STEM fields.

Since its inception, Ceibal has been at the forefront of designing and implementing pioneering programs aimed at incentivizing primary and secondary school students, as well as the youth, to pursue STEM pathways. Ceibal navigates through systemic barriers and societal norms that hinder the participation of women and girls in STEM education and careers.

Through meticulous research and analysis, Robano uncovers the underlying factors contributing to gender disparities in STEM and proposes innovative policies to address them. Emphasizing Ceibal pivotal role as a catalyst for change in the STEM landscape, the book advocates for inclusive policies and initiatives that empower girls and women to pursue their passions and ambitions in STEM.

By dismantling barriers and challenging existing paradigms, Ceibal strives to create a future where gender equity thrives, unlocking the full potential of individuals and societies alike.

The book can be downloaded in English here and in Spanish acá

Supporting FinTech Innovation in the Czech Republic

Regulatory Sandbox Design Considerations

In “Supporting FinTech Innovation in the Czech Republic” readers are presented with a compelling vision of the transformative potential of financial technology. Written with clarity and insight, this book explores how FinTech innovation can drive economic growth, enhance productivity, and promote financial inclusion.

At the heart of the book lies a deep understanding of the role of data in powering FinTech applications. By leveraging financial innovations that prioritize data usage, FinTech has the power to revolutionize the delivery of financial services, particularly for underserved populations such as SMEs and citizens in remote areas.

One of the book’s key strengths is its exploration of the regulatory challenges that accompany FinTech innovation. By addressing the perceived uncertainty surrounding regulatory frameworks, the book underscores the importance of regulatory sandboxes as a means of fostering innovation in a controlled environment.

A highlight of the book is its examination of the technical support Project launched in collaboration with the European Union, OECD, and other partners. This initiative aims to unlock the potential of FinTech applications and promote the use of data in financial services, aligning with broader EU priorities for digital transformation and resilience.

Through its insightful analysis and forward-thinking approach, this book offers valuable insights for policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders alike. By embracing FinTech innovation and regulatory sandboxes, countries like the Czech Republic can position themselves at the forefront of the digital economy, driving progress towards a greener and more inclusive future.

The book can be accesed here.

The FinTech Ecosystem in the Czech Republic

In “The FinTech Ecosystem in the Czech Republic” readers embark on an enlightening exploration of the dynamic intersection between financial technology and regulatory frameworks within the Czech Republic. Crafted with precision and depth, this report provides a panoramic view of the evolving FinTech ecosystem, offering invaluable insights into its potential to drive economic growth and foster financial inclusion.

The report explores the diverse array of FinTech firms, activities, and products in the Czech Republic, highlighting the role of data in powering financial services. It also discusses the importance of regulatory frameworks and initiatives like the technical support Project launched in collaboration with the EU and OECD.

At the heart of the report lies a compelling narrative surrounding the role of data in fueling FinTech applications and transforming the delivery of financial services. By examining the regulatory and supervisory frameworks relevant to FinTech, the report illuminates the delicate balance between fostering innovation and ensuring consumer protection.

A standout feature of the report is its examination of the technical support Project launched in collaboration with the European Union and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This initiative underscores a commitment to fostering an environment conducive to FinTech innovation, aligning with broader EU priorities for digital transformation and resilience.

Furthermore, the report provides a forward-looking perspective by addressing the potential impact of new EU legislative proposals on the FinTech sector in the Czech Republic. By identifying existing obstacles to FinTech development and engaging with stakeholders within the Czech FinTech ecosystem, the report offers a roadmap for policymakers and industry stakeholders to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.

The book can be accesed through the OECD Library

Enhancing Financial Accessibility for SMEs

Lessons from Recent Crises, joint Asian Development Bank-OECD Study (2014)

Book compilation

The report “Enhancing Financial Accessibility for SMEs” offers an insightful examination of the challenges confronting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in securing funding amidst global financial uncertainty. With a focus on the disproportionate impact of financial crises on SMEs, the report highlights how traditional financing constraints are exacerbated, impeding their growth prospects.

A key aspect of the report is its analysis of the regulatory response to financial crises, such as the Basel Capital Accord, and its effects on bank lending to SMEs. By emphasizing the potential limitations imposed by regulatory frameworks, the report underscores the pressing need for innovative financing approaches to broaden national financial systems and facilitate SME access to capital.

Central to the report’s message is a call to policymakers and international organizations to prioritize financial inclusion as a cornerstone of SME development. Recognizing the pivotal role of SMEs in fostering job creation and economic expansion, the report advocates for comprehensive policy measures aimed at enhancing SME access to financial resources.

Drawing on in-depth discussions and workshops convened by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the report offers a comparative assessment of experiences across Asia and OECD countries. Through insightful case studies and policy recommendations, the report provides valuable insights into building a resilient SME sector capable of navigating financial crises and driving sustainable growth.

Available here

Essays in Development Economics, (2012) PhD Dissertation Thesis

This dissertation offers a comprehensive exploration of key issues in Development Economics across three distinct essays. In the first essay, Virginia Robano provides robust evidence on the effects of BRAC’s Targeting the Ultra-Poor Program in Bangladesh (TUP). By employing innovative methodologies and carefully addressing selection biases, Robano uncovers significant positive effects of the program on various aspects of household well-being.

The second essay delves into the design of social program targeting mechanisms, particularly in the context of multidimensional poverty. Through a meticulous analysis of alternative targeting criteria, Robano sheds light on the heterogeneous impacts of the BRAC TUP program across different levels of poverty, offering valuable insights for policymakers and program implementers.

In the third essay, Robano examines the gender wage gap in the urban sector of twelve Latin American countries using unconditional quantile-decomposition methods. By analyzing wage differentials across the distribution and controlling for individual characteristics, Robano uncovers nuanced patterns in the gender wage gap, highlighting the presence of sticky floors and glass ceilings.

Available here

Chapters in books

  • The Role of Public Financial Institutions in Fostering Access to Finance for SMEs and entrepreneurs, chapter 2.5 in Enhancing Financial Accessibility for SMEs: Lessons from recent Crises, (2014) Asian Development Bank, ISBN 978-92-9092-488-1

  • Challenges for SME Finance, lessons from ADB and OECD experiences, chapter 4 in Enhancing Financial Accessibility for SMEs: Lessons from recent Crises, (2014) Asian Development Bank, ISBN 978-92-9092-488-1

  • Case study on Crowdfunding, chapter 5 in New Approaches to SME and Entrepreneurship Financing: Broadening the Range of Instruments (2015) DOI:10.1787/9789264240957-en

  • Access to finance for SMEs and entrepreneurs: Trends and Policies in OECD countries, Chapter 11 (2015). Available here

  • Tourism Policy Review of Mexico, Chapter 5, (Enero 2017) OECD Studies on Tourism, OECD Publishing, Paris. http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264266575-en

  • OECD (2018), “Investment and Financing for Sustainable Tourism Development”, OECD Publishing, Paris, forthcoming