Are ‘more globalised’ countries suffering higher rates of coronavirus infection? A new cross-country analysis considers the spread of the virus, as well as fatality rates in the context of healthcare capacity. Post-pandemic, will a strong Europe be the solution (rather than the problem) for the future of the continent? A new working paper sets out a visionary approach based on a strong commitment to sustainable development, improvements in the public sector, joint taxation and sound ...

How will the green technology ‘revolution’ affect economic growth and structural change? A new working paper looks at options for catching up across various developing countries, including China. Should I stay or should I go? A new paper finds that most refugees retain a profound belief in return, yet there is a strong mismatch between aspiring to return and actually doing it. While return after the end of a war is driven by a wish to achieve broader life goals, current return migrat...

In times of crisis, we tap untested resources and resilience. We need creativity to escape a terrible ‘new normal’ and determination to endure the journey. In short, we have to innovate and persevere. On 18 March 2020, for the first time in our history, one of our doctoral students defended her thesis virtually — a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic. In this post, Mary Kaltenberg is joined by one of her supervisors, Neil Foster-McGregor, to discuss the background and out...

How far do international climate change projects ‘trickle down’? A new journal article investigates how 30 internationally-funded adaptation projects affected — and included — vulnerable local communities. What are the drivers of new and quality jobs in the developing world? A new policy brief considers the role of structural transformation in the labour markets of various emerging economies. Student migrant, refugee or both? A new thesis investigates the departure timing...

What kind of scientific research improves the overall quality of technologies? According to a new study, high-quality academic research has contributed significantly to high-quality patents — albeit with strong regional variations between China and the USA, for example. How has refugee migration evolved, globally, since World War II? A new paper refutes claims of a substantial linear increase, citing historical underestimates and the recent inclusion of internally displaced persons and tho...

The exponential growth of data and artificial intelligence is creating a tug-of-war between data for profit and data for the common good. In this struggle, it is fundamental that we protect our basic human data rights. Artificial intelligence will someday know you better than you know yourself. That day may be sooner than we realise with the amount of data collected on all humans and their environments increasing exponentially. So where are the rules, and what are our rights?...

Which countries are leading the fourth industrial revolution and which are being left behind? A new paper uses patent data to identify technology leaders and trade data to identify producers and users of these technologies. It then relates the use of these technologies to industrial development indicators. What shapes the migration decisions of individuals within the EU? A new paper considers educational and career development opportunities, preferences for particular cultures, lifestyles, polit...

Marking International Migrants Day, 18 December 2019, our new Director of Executive Education and Capacity Building in Migration at UNU-MERIT, Nava Hinrichs, joined a conference on “Advancing Human Capital Development through Migration and Innovation” at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, based in Vienna. Contributing to a panel discussion on “Harnessing innovation to promote prosperous, diverse and inclusive societies”, Nava spoke on three key points, outlined below. Firs...

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 ...