Why are many places still excluded from the modern economy? What can these societies do to attain levels of human comfort that we know are achievable?
These are the questions that animate the work at the Growth Lab.
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.
Research
Our Green Growth Research Agenda
Decarbonization presents a defining opportunity for growth by creating new industries, markets, and paths for economic development. The Growth Lab is researching how countries can leverage these trends to develop green growth strategies. Our research involves understanding changes in technology, patterns of demand, and value chains for green industries.
Spotlight
Top Visual Insights of 2022
In 2022, the Growth Lab's research agenda spanned five continents. Our researchers tackled development challenges within a diverse group of countries and regions while also working on pressing issues such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, green growth, and the future of work in a post-pandemic world.
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.
Teaching
We integrate research insights into master's and doctoral degree curricula at Harvard Kennedy School and executive education curricula for senior economists and policymakers.
Media & Outreach
We engage through seminars, special events, internships, podcasts, op-eds and social media.
Publications
We diffuse insights through working papers, peer-reviewed journals, books, reports, policy briefs, etc.
Where We Work
Impact & Reach in 2021
12
Country-Specific Projects
24
Publications
127
Executive Education Participants
52
Seminars & Talks