How the US South caught up: A century of manufacturing productivity convergence
Economic historians have long debated whether lagging regions can catch up in productivity with industrial leaders. This column shows that, under the right conditions, such
Classroom heat widens the achievement gap
Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense with climate change. Children are particularly vulnerable to such environmental stressors. This column uses nationwide exam
COVID-19’s economic impact on low-income countries: preparing for the next shock
COVID-19 hit low-income exporters hard, exposing risks from weak diversification and straining trade, supply systems and financial stability. The COVID-19 pandemic sent shockwaves through global
Matching skills across borders: Are global skill partnerships a win-win solution for sending and receiving countries?
The world is at a demographic inflection point, presenting both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, lower and lower-middle-income countries, particularly sub-Saharan Africa and
Protect to prosper: How nature-based tourism drives jobs and growth
That selfie you took on an idyllic white sand beach, in a sprawling city park, or atop a mountain range at sunset? It’s more than
Addressing food insecurity in the Middle East and North Africa: innovations in data monitoring
Food insecurity remains a critical issue affecting millions of people across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP). The region faces a wide
Local problems, local solutions: The need for advanced skills and R&D in the developing world
Education is part of the enabling infrastructure required for jobs, social development, and future economic growth. Unfortunately, low- and middle-income countries face an urgent skills
The economic impact of European capital market integration
Economic growth in Europe continues to lag behind that of the US, largely due to smaller productivity gains. This column uses a general equilibrium model
25% inflation, 50 years on
UK CPI inflation in 1975 reached 25%, a period now known as the ‘Great Inflation’. This column uses a range of empirical and narrative evidence
Working hours around the world
Working hours are a fundamental determinant of economic growth and wellbeing, but we still lack a comprehensive picture of how they vary globally and historically.
