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.
Academic Research
Industrial Research Labs Powered the Golden Age of U.S. Innovation
The rise of industrial research labs fundamentally reshaped the U.S. innovation system in the early 20th century by enabling large-scale, science-based, team-oriented invention, according to new research published in the journal Research Policy. The findings suggest that new technologies, such as AI-powered digital collaboration tools, could play a similar role today by reducing coordination costs and potentially reshaping how collective invention is organized.
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.
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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Past Event
Industrial Policy in Action: Lessons from Over a Decade at the Department of Energy
February 26 | 12:00 pm–1:00 pm
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Past Event
Faculty Webinar 2026: Leading Green Growth
February 25 | 11:00 am–12:00 pm
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Past Event
From Vacant Houses to Growth-Ready Capabilities: A Place-Based Growth Diagnostic
February 12 | 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