Pioneering research and methods to unlock economic growth and prosperity around the world
At the Growth Lab, we push the frontiers of economic growth and development policy research, collaborate with policymakers to design actions, and share our insights through teaching, tools and publications, in the pursuit of inclusive prosperity.
tools
Vietnam and China Poised to Lead Global Growth
New projections in the Atlas of Economic Complexity suggest that Vietnam and China are positioned to lead global growth in the decade ahead, driven by their sophisticated and diverse manufacturing capabilities. Growth over the coming decade is projected to concentrate in three global poles: East Asia, Central Asia, and East Africa. The 2024 Economic Complexity rankings reveal a dramatic reshaping of global productive capabilities, with Asian economies claiming four of the top five positions.
Academic Research
The Coherence of US Cities
New research recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that the transformation of U.S. cities follows a surprisingly stable rule: while cities evolve and diversify, on average, they maintain a constant level of “coherence”—a measure of how well their economic activities fit together. The findings raise questions about urban transformation and suggest limitations for how policy can steer diversification of urban economies.
Policy Research
New Mexico’s Economy Over Time and Space
New research examines New Mexico’s economy over more than a century to inform statewide and regional economic development efforts. New Mexico has made progress in economic development through business investment, expanded childcare and education, and saving resource revenues, but shrinking federal funds and rising demands limit new spending. The state should focus on regionally tailored investment strategies and easing housing constraints, the main barrier to workforce growth.
Events
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Upcoming
Industrial Policy in Action: Lessons from Over a Decade at the Department of Energy
February 26 | 12:00 pm–1:00 pm
How We Work
Academic Research
Our wide range of research falls into three categories – economic transformation, knowledge and technology diffusion, and the coordination of knowhow – and draws on multiple disciplines.
Policy Research
Through country policy engagements, we employ and test various research approaches, tailored to a country, region, or city’s specific constraints, opportunities, and capacity
Digital Tools
We translate research and thoughts into web applications and interactive storytelling, all made publicly available and used by a global community of policymakers, scholars, investors, and journalists.
We integrate research insights into master’s and doctoral degree curricula at Harvard Kennedy School and executive education curricula for senior economists and policymakers.
We engage through seminars, special events, internships, podcasts, op-eds and social media.
We diffuse insights through working papers, peer-reviewed journals, books, reports, policy briefs, etc.
Where We Work
We have partnered with, trained, and engaged over 5,000 policymakers and practitioners around the world.
20 Years of Impact & Reach
52
Country-Specific Projects
345
Research Publications
1,600
Executive Education Participants
3,200
Community of Practice