Governments consult various groups when preparing their eco-innovation policies – but can these consultations truly safeguard the public interest? A new manual sets the standard for data collection, interpretation and policymaking to ensure a greener global economy. Refugees in Uganda often look for jobs outside of camps and settlements – but what helps or hinders their search for work? What discrimination do they face and how much can they trust local employers? A new report considers the evide...

When it comes to progress in the science and technology sector, how wide is the gap between Istanbul and the rest of Turkey? A new report considers economic and social regional disparities and the concentration of economic activity. How do refugees affect social life in host communities? A new paper on Congolese refugees in Rwanda compares feelings of safety, social networks and trust at varying distances from a refugee camp. Could there be a silver lining to the weakening of social and welfare ...

What precipitates protests in Latin America? Is it failing institutions, low standards of living, high levels of corruption — or a combination of factors? A new journal article explores the desire for redistribution linked to participation in protests. Does it pay to be avant-garde and do “novel” science? A new study investigates selection patterns across Swiss research programmes — and finds that innovative scientists are more likely to apply for research funds but are l...

Are farmers willing to accept payments for ecosystem services? If so, what should be the mode and timing of payments? A new article examines the case of climate-smart agroforestry in Ethiopia. What is the best blend of policies to promote innovation among SMEs in traditional industries? A new article based on data from 300 SMEs in seven European regions says policymakers should promote variety in firms’ innovation efforts and capabilities. What’s the real background to the oil curse? A new...

How do product innovations affect employment across sub-Saharan Africa? A new journal article takes data from the Enterprise Survey and Innovation Follow-Up Survey — and finds product innovations have a positive impact on total employment. Can we have growth when population is stagnant? A new working paper gives up common simplifying assumptions — and finds long-run economic growth can remain positive even if population growth levels off. What’s more, long-run results are inter...

Across Africa, can greater employment rates build peace, reduce fear of crime, and restore public trust in government? A new article looks at job creation schemes in five countries: Burundi, Guinea, Liberia, Mali and Uganda. Within South Africa, do social grants and remittances improve food security and nutrition? If so, do public and private transfers produce different outcomes? A new article asks whether the source of income really matters in achieving food security. Across the Global South, h...

In India, diversification is said to improve firm performance. But is this always the case or does it rely on untapped potential and spare capacity on the production line? A new paper takes a broad look at coherence and performance across the Indian manufacturing sector. From Dutch villages to Chinese cities, the “Circular Economy” shares common characteristics worldwide based among others on tailored services and direct customer contact. But could this chain be broken by control fre...

Universities in South Africa claim to use science and innovation to raise living standards for the rural poor. But how does science for society work in practice? Is it a linear process? A new journal article investigates the knowledge-production for societal-benefit missions of various universities. Artificial Intelligence (AI) may lead to massive job losses, according to some sections of the media. But could it not be a source of new jobs? A new working paper discusses the challenges of the AI ...

Science, technology and innovation (STI) was once hailed as the great accelerator of growth and welfare. But is it now in crisis, given the recent lack of ‘trickle-down’ gains combined with the environmental fallout of e-waste? A new article looks at the last half century of STI, as it comes to a crossroads. Travel broadens the mind, but could it also change our perceptions? A new policy brief takes the case of Greek migrants in Germany, the Netherlands and United Kingdom — and...

The world’s poorest nations have long pursued industrialisation as a route to economic development. But how ‘green’ can this route be? How important is climate change mitigation for governments like Ethiopia in their economic growth agenda? Science, Technology & Innovation policy has long been led by the concept ‘smart’. Given the rise of the 2030 Agenda, should ‘sustainable’ be the new guiding theme in this process of creative destruction? Aided by centra...