According to the Regional Outlook Report of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), per capita gross domestic product (GDP) levels have converged among OECD economies due to the high growth performance in low-income economies in the last 20 years.
Despite this, income inequality between metropolitan and rural areas has grown in 15 of the 27 OECD countries for which relevant data are available.
GDP reached an average of 32 percent higher in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.
As cities continue to grow and attract skilled workers, the number of workers and populations have shrunk in other regions.
Specially designed policies and institutional steps are needed to eliminate these "permanent inequalities" between regions.
INCOME DIFFERENCES WIDED IN 15 OUT OF 27 COUNTRIES
In his evaluation of the report, OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann stated that, according to available data, the income gap between regions has widened in 15 of the 27 OECD countries in question.
"This situation is largely explained by less access to opportunities for workers and businesses. To help stimulate growth in lagging regions, policy frameworks must address persistent inequalities, improve access to public services and infrastructure, and increase productivity and competitiveness. Better evaluation of digital transformation opportunities for regions and improving governance and government capacity should also be included in these steps," Cormann said.