Our Work
Finding the best ways to meet today's development challenges requires a collaborative approach—one that leverages insights from every part of the world. Launched in 2024 by World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, the Institute for Economic Development is a new initiative for global collaboration in tackling key challenges. It brings together think tanks, experts, researchers, and academics to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and access curated insights from the latest development research.
Led by the World Bank Chief Economist and powered by the Development Economics Vice Presidency, the World Bank Group's arm for data and knowledge generation, we bring the best ideas from around the world onto the global stage, shaping a more inclusive approach to solving key challenges. We also complement the efforts of the World Bank Group Academy by helping countries stay on the frontier of development data, measurement, and analytics.
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Mission
Ideas for Impact
The Institute for Economic Development assembles in one place the brightest ideas from across the planet. By providing a platform for global collaboration, we seek to generate new development ideas and solutions and make them accessible to all.
Join us
Customized insights from the latest research
Explore high-profile reports, data, and development research tailored to specific country and regional needs, using AI and the latest technology to maximize reach. Start exploring >
With think tanks, researchers, and academia
Join a global network of development practitioners to help close knowledge gaps and address pressing challenges. Engage with us >
Knowledge, ideas, and capacity
Participate in our interactive learning events to share expertise, discover best practices, and forge new connections. Browse our learning events >
Governance
An Advisory Group is being established to guide the Institute.
It will be chaired by the World Bank Group’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics, and will include World Bank regional Chief Economists, Directors from the Development Economics Vice Presidency, senior management from key partner institutions, and prominent external academics and experts in priority thematic areas.
The Advisory Group will provide strategic guidance to the Institute, endorsing thematic priorities and advising on program content and implementation. It will also support outreach and make key decisions related to the composition of the Institute's network of partners. The Institute office will serve as Secretariat to the Advisory Group.