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
New Economic Complexity Index Country Rankings & 2030 Growth Projections
China, Vietnam, Uganda, Indonesia, and India are projected to be among the fastest-growing economies to 2030, according to new growth projections in the Atlas of Economic Complexity. The release provides the first detailed look at 2020 trade data, including major disruptions to tourism and transport vehicle exports from the global pandemic.
Spotlight
Student Stories
Each year, the Growth Lab offers students opportunities to work with our team through internships and collaborations in policy research projects. In this new blog series, the students share their summer research, inspiration, challenges, and advice for future interns.
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