Economic Development

Consumers often aren’t willing to take a chance on a new product until their neighbors do. A new study investigated the use of targeted subsidies that leveraged such "peer effects" to spark adoption of hygienic latrines, which reduce the spread of pathogens.

Yale political scientist Jacob Hacker joined Yale SOM’s Global Leadership: Big Issues course to discuss the tax, policy, and political forces that have disproportionately benefited the richest Americans —and caused many to feel left behind.

The 32 Ohio counties spread over the Appalachian foothills suffer in comparison with their counterparts in the rest of the state by nearly every economic measure. But they’re also filled with entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and citizens seeking to build a brighter future.

What’s the role of the federal government in addressing the challenges facing Appalachian Ohio? Ray Daffner ’86 discusses the work of the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s first-ever minister of infrastructure and communities, discusses the country’s plan to sharply increase public and private investment in infrastructure.

Smallholder farms in developing countries haven’t benefited from the tech revolution. Can a startup offer a private-sector solution to extreme poverty?

Entrenched inequality is creating a sense of despair for many Americans. Andrea Levere ’83 discusses policies and programs that help more people find opportunities for hope.

The World Bank’s Isabel Marques de Sá explains how these enormously complex contracts can be tools for innovation and capacity building.

Professor A. Mushfiq Mobarak argues that claims about the impact of foreign aid should be tested with careful empirical study.