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.

Greenplexity Index Reveals Global Leaders in Supplying Energy Transition

Our next-gen Greenplexity tool reveals where your country can lead in fast-growing green value chains—powering the global energy transition and opening new paths to prosperity. Japan, Germany, Czechia, France, and China lead the way in our new country rankings, with Italy, Austria, the UK, the United States, and Hungary rounding out the global top ten.

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.

Aerial view of Boston at sunset.

Promoting Growth and Employment in Andalucia

In collaboration with the Regional Government of Andalucia and others, Growth Lab researchers identified more than 130 growth opportunities in specific products and services that can increase Andalucia’s complexity and productivity. Industries includ agro-industry, tourism, and green energy. 

Andalucia

How We Work

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.

Through country policy engagements, we employ and test various research approaches, tailored to a country, region, or city’s specific constraints, opportunities, and capacity

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