The impact of fintech on lending
Fintech has improved efficiency and inclusion in banking, especially lending, but has also raised concerns about financial stability, privacy, discrimination, and overall wellbeing. This column
Why export controls accelerate innovation: Evidence from the 2007 US ‘China Rule’
A key debate surrounding export controls is whether they accelerate innovation in targeted rivals. This column studies this question using a set of US export
The new curse of critical minerals
A race is raging among global powers to secure access to critical minerals to power the simultaneous energy and digital transitions the world is experiencing.
The tourism impact: Diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy and creating jobs through culture
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has a rich cultural heritage, and a wealth of natural assets like the colorful Red Sea and stunning desert
Greening GovTech: Digital transformation for climate action
Around the world, governments are racing to digitize services and tackle climate change. Yet too often, these efforts happen in silos—or even pull in opposite
The double-edged sword of AI: Potential for productivity, solutions, and societal risks
Quantitative analysis of how AI impacts our professional lives, the integrity of organisations, and even our cognitive skills is essential to harness the power of
Assessment of disruptive innovation in science and technology policy: Insights from meta-science research trends
Technological innovation, including disruptive innovation, is a driving force for economic growth and social change, but early identification of such technologies and assessments of their
How AI chatbots can improve voter information
Citizens need clear, accessible information to make informed decisions, but today’s digital landscape can be overwhelming. This column tests whether an AI chatbot can ease
Can AI give small scale producers the right advice?
The World Bank has long recognized the critical importance of agricultural extension services – ranging from training and data to technology transfer – which make
Future jobs: AI, robots, and jobs in developing countries
Studies of the impact of robots on labour markets often conceptualise jobs as bundles of distinct tasks. In such frameworks, technologies substitute or complement workers.
