What particular challenges does the EU face in transitioning to a low-carbon electricity system? What are the likely scientific and social impacts? A new PhD thesis considers the main hurdles for the EU in its shift from intensive use of fossil fuels to a low-carbon power system. What are the causes and drivers of inequality across Botswana? A new report for UNDP reveals the structure and drivers of inequality including the role of tertiary education and the links between land ownership, demogra...
Does it pay to do ‘novel’ science? Based on applications to a Swiss research funding programme, a new article finds that novel scientists have a higher probability of applying for funds than non-novel scientists, but that on average they receive lower ratings by grant evaluators and have lower chances of being funded. When it comes to learning and innovation, do small firms differ from large ones across India? A new article weighs up formal and informal learning approaches in small a...
Are production activities sustainable along Global Value Chains? A new article, which considers the empirical evidence on social and environmental sustainability, gives ambiguous results. On the one hand, GVCs can lead to sizeable amounts of carbon leakage, as they allow firms to offshore polluting production activities. On the other hand, GVCs make firms more energy and emission efficient than domestic peers, thus dampening overall emission growth. In terms of social sustainability, GVCs are l...
How should the ‘Greater Mekong Subregion’ — flowing through Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam — close the gap with the world’s most advanced economies? A new report for the Asian Development Bank says the region can improve its prospects by further integrating into the global economy, significantly upgrading production and exports, enabling cities to be engines of growth, and improving road infrastructure and connectivity. How does digital infrastructu...
When it comes to innovation in mining, what are the challenges and opportunities for Latin America? A new journal article takes the examples of Australia and Canada to highlight high-tech windows of opportunity for equipment and service suppliers along the value chain in Latin America. Youth employment is so important for social justice and sustainable development, but is it truly a priority for policymakers? A new book chapter discusses the hopes and dreams for decent careers of the next genera...
Have COVID-19 measures affected food prices in low to middle-income countries? A new paper finds that stricter lockdowns increased food prices among major urban markets, although impacts were also linked to mobility and previous reliance on trade. Read the full working paper here. Is artificial intelligence starting to have an effect on the economy? A new article finds clear evidence of improved labour productivity, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises and the services industries....
How can Artificial Intelligence help rural entrepreneurs succeed in business? A new article applies five machine learning techniques, providing new insights into factors related to trust, awareness of current trends, use of media tools, etc. How can private sector initiatives, including venture start-ups and social impact funds, best contribute to the 2030 Agenda? The key, according to a new paper, is to ensure innovations are aligned with public policy impact. How can firms in developing countr...
Climate change is already impacting water resources across Africa. But what should African policymakers prioritise: water security or societal challenges linked to water? And how much influence should local communities and the private sector have on decision-making? A new article takes a social innovation perspective in a bid to reinforce the knowledge base for policymaking. The service sector plays a growing role in economies worldwide, despite claims of stagnation. But what is the relationship...
What are the links between migration, remittances and sustainable development in Africa? A new book considers how they relate to economic transformation, knowledge generation, corruption and conflict. It concludes with evidence-based policy recommendations in support of the Sustainable Development Goals. Would a greater focus on human security improve the planning and roll out of the 2030 Agenda? A new paper argues that this lens draws together many disparate tools, while also increasing human r...
How will artificial intelligence, big data, and open source technologies impact society? What are the opportunities and challenges posed by new technologies and digitisation? A new EU report shows that automation is creating new opportunities for the social economy, mainly in terms of increased reach and effectiveness. When the pandemic finally recedes, how should we rebuild our societies? How can we ensure a less divided and more sustainable world? Drawing inspiration from the Bauhaus movement,...