Inclusive Economies

Our work explores what characterises inclusive economies and how these can be achieved, particularly in a world where new technologies, rural to urban migration, and growing youth populations are disrupting and putting new pressures on people’s lives and livelihoods.

Our research looks at the impacts of business and markets on development and inequality and explores the potential for novel market-based solutions to work for the poorest and most marginalised based on gender, ethnicity and disability.  It explores alternatives that enable workers, consumers and communities to have a real voice.

It continues to revitalise debates on agriculture as a key pathway out of poverty and towards inclusion, particularly for young people. Our work is focused on identifying what opportunities exist in a period of agricultural commercialisation and rural transformation and how far different groups are able to access them.  It also understands how new technologies such as drones or blockchains pose risks, but can also be harnessed to improve the lives of the poorest and most marginalised people.  In a rapidly urbanising world where cities have become focal points for economic growth, jobs and innovation but also for poverty, inequality, vulnerability and conflict, our work explores what this means for both urban and rural people, and the opportunities and challenges they face in living safe and fulfilling lives.

People

Jodie Thorpe

Research Fellow

Philip Mader

Research Fellow

Richard Jolly

Research Associate

Ana Pueyo

Research Fellow

Carlos Fortin

Research Associate

Rachel Sabates-Wheeler

Research Fellow

Keetie Roelen

IDS Honorary Associate

Giel Ton

Research Fellow

Programmes and centres

Projects

Recent work

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Showing 13–24 of 14829 results

News

Podcast: What are the benefits of long-term research funding

Funding from development agencies for research projects is integral for trying to reduce global poverty, but often short-term funding produces short-term results which are hard to track in the terms of a positive impact. But what are the benefits of long-term funding of a long...

31 July 2024

Working Paper

Sustaining Yemeni Capacities for Social Assistance: Lessons From a Decade of War

BASIC Research Working Paper 24

Yemen has sometimes been held up as an impressive example of how existing social protection systems and capacities can be maintained and supported even during a prolonged war. While providing support to meet immediate life-saving needs is the humanitarian priority in Yemen, aid organisations...

25 July 2024

Brief

How Can Aid Actors Support Yemeni Capacities for Social Assistance?

BASIC Research Policy Briefing 2

Much of Yemen’s population needs basic assistance to avoid famine. As well as providing food and cash-based support during a decade of war, international aid actors have sustained and strengthened the capacities of local organisations involved. Yet these efforts have overlooked some capacities...

Paul Harvey & 2 others

25 July 2024

News

Congratulations to the Summer 2024 graduates!

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) celebrated its Summer 2024 graduation on Wednesday 24 July, recognising the achievements of 36 students who completed their Master's or PhD programmes. This significant milestone reflects their dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence. Sincere...

25 July 2024

News

New research to help build a resilient world 

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) is part of a new research initiative that will further understanding of a region spanning Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central, East & Pacific Asia, led by the University of Glasgow’s Central and East European Studies (CEES).   IDS is a...

25 July 2024

News

Statement on Bangladesh

In the context of the recent violence in Bangladesh, in which it is reported that at least 150 people have been killed and many more injured, IDS's Acting Director shares the following statement: Professor Peter Taylor, Acting Director of the Institute of Development Studies, said: “IDS has...

25 July 2024

News

It is nice to be part of something good

When the British economist Dudley Seers was tasked with setting up the Institute of Development Studies he knew exactly who to turn to for administrative support. For, during the meeting of senior academics and the politicians at Boarstall Tower near Oxford where the decision was taken to set up...

23 July 2024

Why learn with us.

In an extraordinary time of challenge and change, we use more than 50 years of expertise to transform development approaches that create more equitable and sustainable futures. The work you do with us will help make progressive change towards universal development; to build and connect solidarities for collective action, locally and globally. The University of Sussex has been ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies for the past five years (QS World University Rankings by Subject).