oecd.org (02.07.2025) The OECD Risks that Matter Survey presents a data-driven understanding of people’s perceptions of economic risks, their assessment of their country’s social programmes and their preferences for policy action. Interviews with 27 000 respondents show people are deeply concerned about geopolitical issues, their health and their finances across 27 OECD countries. The report focuses on two megatrends – technological change and population ageing – and finds strong support for social programmes that foster economic growth and security. Over 70% of respondents, across countries, call for greater public investments in re-training and higher education to ensure workers have the right skills for the future. A clear majority call for getting more women into the workforce, advancing the use of technology in workplaces, and moving workers from part-time to full-time jobs to address the projected worker shortages driven by population ageing. Fertility measures are less popular. Results also highlight the public’s demand to improve efficiencies in social programme applications, delivery and communication. As governments reshape social protection systems to make them fit for the future, the OECD Risks that Matter Survey offers a valuable tool for integrating citizens’ perspectives.