The Growth Lab

The Diminishing Effects of Quarantines on the Spread of COVID-19

New research finds lockdown fatigue surfaces after four months and negatively affects social distancing and mask wearing.
Podcast: Productive Ecosystems and the Arrow of Development

Ricardo Hausmann, et al., discuss their new model based on capability accumulation and product diversification of countries.
Realizing Growth in Western Australia

Researchers applied Growth Diagnostics and Economic Complexity methodologies to inform policy design in Western Australia.
How do Economies Become More Complex?

Like players in Scrabble, economies possess a set of capabilities – letters – that they can use to produce products – words.
Join the Growth Lab - Become a Research Assistant

Gain valuable experience working with faculty and research fellows on international development research and policy. Apply now.

ABOUT US

Led by Ricardo Hausmann, the Growth Lab at Harvard's Center for International Development works to understand the dynamics of growth and to translate those insights into more effective policymaking in developing countries. The Growth Lab places increased economic diversity and complexity at the center of the development story. Learn more about us.

COVID-19 TASK FORCE

In response to COVID-19, Growth Lab Director Ricardo Hausman brought together a task force, including members of our academic and applied research teams, to support our project counterparts worldwide. This team worked quickly to understand the dynamics of the virus by connecting with experts across Harvard University.

Our team has shared new insights and offered strategic guidance on economic and epidemiological policy decisions with project counterparts in Albania, Ethiopia, El Salvador, Honduras, Peru, Namibia, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia. In addition, the team has been responding to requests from other governments around the world to share its learnings. Read more.

EXPLORE OUR GLOBAL REACH

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RESEARCH AGENDAS

Growth Lab faculty and fellows engage in theoretical and empirical research on the determinants of growth and its social, political, and environmental sustainability. Our four core research agendas: