Ideas for Impact Newsletter - Issue 2
Breaking Barriers to Development Insights Access
The Institute for Economic Development offers a one-stop shop for curated insights on development challenges. Harnessing cutting-edge technologies like big data, machine learning, and AI, we aim to break barriers to information access. A prime example of these efforts is our AI-driven podcast-style explainer for the World Development Report 2023: Migrants, Refugees, and Societies. This innovative audio explainer offers tailored content, with one version designed for policy decision makers and another for technical practitioners. Both versions are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French, ensuring broader accessibility. Delivered in a quick and conversational format, the podcast makes key insights from the report easily digestible for diverse audiences. Explore it now—select your preferred version and language, and don’t forget to share your feedback. Listen now
EXPLORE Research and Data Insights
Delve into curated research and data, and insights from our experts and partners.
Global Economic Prospects
Developing economies are projected to face their weakest long-term growth prospects since the start of this century, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report. In addition to macroeconomic projections, the report provides policy recommendations to accelerate growth and development. Read the key policy messages we curated from this report. Policy messages
Insights from our Experts and Partners:
Why developing economies need a new playbook
Growth in developing economies has slowed sharply, widening the rich-poor gap. Indermit Gill, Chief Economist of the World Bank Group and Senior Vice President for Development Economics, and Ayhan Kose, Deputy Chief Economist of the World Bank Group, share insights on charting a new course for developing economies. Read more
Social (im)mobility: Why middle-income countries are stuck in the slow lane
Somik Lall, Sr Adviser to the Chief Economist of the World Bank Group, and Forhad Shilpi, Sr Economist at the Development Research Group, outline public policy actions that countries can take to increase social mobility. Read more
Ensuring women’s safety: data insights on gender-based violence legislation and policies
Anna Tabitha Bonfert, Data Scientist at the World Bank Gender Group; Siyi Wang, Analyst at the World Bank Women, Business and the Law team; and Marina Elefante, Private Sector Development Specialist at the Women, Business and the Law team; review data insights and policy reforms needed to address gender-based violence. Read more
More insights from our experts and partners.
ENGAGE with a Global Network
Join us or read highlights from our recent activities.
Upcoming Events:
Escaping the Middle-Income Trap at the 1st Mile
Hosted by IFAD and the World Bank Rome Office, with support from the Institute, this closed-door event during the 48th session of the IFAD Governing Council will highlight key insights from the World Development Report 2024: The Middle-Income Trap. Somik Lall, Senior Adviser to the Chief Economist of the World Bank Group and lead author of the report, will present its main findings and discuss how rural investment can be a pathway for countries to transition from middle-income to high-income status. Read more
MENA Growth Academy
Building on the success of the inaugural Growth Academy in Chicago and Washington D.C., the Institute and the Economic Research Forum (ERF) are partnering to organize the MENA Growth Academy in Cairo, Egypt. The program aims to strengthen research capacity, inform policymaking, and contribute to sustainable development in the region. The three-day event will include a Long-Term Growth Modeling training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to address complex development challenges.
Recent Activities:
Building data together: An international workshop on building-related open microdata
This workshop, organized by the OECD Geospatial Lab in collaboration with the World Bank Development Data Partnership and the Institute for Economic Development, focused on the potential of building-related microdata for development. It presented World Bank insights on geospatial data for climate resilience and universal connectivity. Read more
Climate Resilience Consultation
Organized by the Institute and the Coalition for Capacity on Climate Action (C3A) in Paris, this event convened participants to discuss the forthcoming World Bank Policy and Research Report: “Rethinking Resilience: Empowering People for a Changing Climate.” The event featured an interactive presentation by the author, followed by a lively discussion around the key concepts from the report. Stay tuned for the release of this report.
Empowering Field Researchers to Tackle Global Challenges
Organized in partnership with the World Bank Development Impact Group, the Manage Successful Field Research e-Learning drew over 6,000 participants from across the globe to learn and share insights on field research methodologies. Using our innovative learning platform, the program prompted over 800 interactions among participants. Read more
EXCHANGE Knowledge and Ideas
Share knowledge, ideas, and capacity through our learning events.
Call for Proposals: “3 Big Ideas on…”
The Institute is pleased to announce an upcoming Call for Proposals to showcase innovative solutions to pressing development challenges. We seek proposals grounded in rigorous evidence that demonstrate both efficacy and scalability. Priority themes include energy, climate, agriculture, job creation, and industrial policies; however, all good ideas in other fields are also welcome! Read more
Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy
This virtual course, developed with the World Bank Development Impact Group, offers an introduction into how behavioral science impacts policy design, enhancing outcomes in education, healthcare, gender equality, climate change, and other sectors. Policy practitioners and researchers are especially encouraged to join. Register by February 17, 2025. Register now
Reproducible Research Fundamentals
Developed in collaboration with the World Bank Development Impact Group, this online course aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of research practitioners and partners in reproducible research. Learn how to create reproducible workflows, collaborate effectively on coding projects, and ensure the security of personal data throughout the research process. Register by February 25, 2025. Register now
Geographic Considerations in Evaluating Women’s Employment Opportunities
Explore the Geospatial Women's Employment Analytical Framework (GeoWEAF), a tool developed by the World Bank to uncover how location-specific factors impact women's opportunities. This virtual course is ideal for policymakers, gender specialists, researchers, and students interested in fostering equality and opportunity. Register by March 31, 2025. Register now
See more events and knowledge exchange opportunities.
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