The unbearable lightness of promises
When reforms are judged by their plans rather than their impact, they risk drifting into the lightness of promises unmet. An “outcome reflex” mindset restores gravity—anchoring
Public R&D and Brazil’s agricultural revolution
It is often argued that returns to R&D are low in developing countries, making imported technologies a better path to growth. Yet technologies designed for
What tax data teach us about firms, trade and jobs
Where do jobs come from, and how can we learn more about firms that create them? Governments need to know which firms create employment, how
Firms, family-friendly policies, and fertility
Family-friendly policies often aim to make it ‘easier’ to have children, yet little is known about how firms respond to such policies. This column develops
Bhutan & Singapore: Advancing Carbon Market Innovation through Partnership
Asia’s rise as a global carbon trading hub is grounded in its strong financial infrastructure, forward-looking regulatory environment, and commitment to environmental innovation. As a
How firms navigate parental leave: Evidence from Austria
Faced with declining fertility rates and persistent gender gaps, governments have expanded policies to support working families. But sudden increases in allowable parental leave can
Rethinking social protection sustainability: What people want (and don’t want)
Population ageing makes it harder for governments to finance programmes like public pensions and long-term care. But policy responses, such as tightening programme eligibility and
The state of globalisation: A new eBook
Three forces have always shaped globalisation – technology, policies, and geopolitics. What distinguishes the current moment is that all three are accelerating simultaneously but in
Tax incentives for R&D can spur innovation and growth—when done right
As the debate around industrial policy intensifies, there is broad consensus on the rationale for government support to encourage private sector innovation. Economy-wide returns from
Sovereign bonds, convenience yields, and the resurgence of supply shocks
Many sovereign bonds trade at a premium for being safe assets that retain their value even in deep recessions. This premium, or ‘convenience yield’, allows
