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 301–312 of 14831 results

Opinion

COP28: Overcoming colonialism to ensure just transitions in MENA

This December, those involved in combating climate change have turned their attention to Dubai, the host city of COP28. Comparing this host to last years – Egypt, helps highlight the contrasting developments within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Egypt and UAE present...

Elias Ghorra, Development Aid Professional

19 December 2023

Brief

Community Solutions to Insecurity Along the Uganda–Kenya Border

IDS Policy Briefing 214

In the Karamoja and Turkana border regions of Uganda and Kenya, there is widespread violence including armed robbery, rape, and human rights abuses, yet community complaints about failures of governance remain largely unaddressed. This Policy Briefing highlights how different insecurities...

19 December 2023

News

2023: Review of the year in development

The past year has brought with it extensive challenges for global development. From the ongoing legacies of Covid-19 and focus on polycrisis at the start of the year, to the Earth’s hottest summer since global records began and currently - a war in Palestine where the people of Gaza bear the...

18 December 2023

Opinion

In Kashmir, like in Palestine, a decolonial commitment to justice is crucial

On 11 December 2023, the Indian Supreme Court declared its verdict on the legality of the government’s revocation of the ‘special status’ of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). On 5 August 2019, the Indian government deoperationalised Article 370 of its constitution, which had previously given a...

Anonymous

18 December 2023

Opinion

Pastoralists as Conservationists

This is the fifth in a series of blog posts that bring together PASTRES work from 2018-2023 around a number of themes. In this post, we explore the role of pastoralists in rangeland conservation. Pastoralists are often blamed for environmental destruction – not only the climate but...

18 December 2023

Past Event

Pathways to Development Conference

The second Pathways to Development Conference will bring together empirical work in economics, sociology, politics and political economy, to find solutions to the grand challenges constraining sustainable growth in Pakistan and the region. Economic growth and poverty reduction can, and often...

From 18 December 2023 until 20 December 2023

Opinion

Mobility is vital for successful pastoralism

This is the third in a series of blog posts that bring together PASTRES work from 2018-2023 around a number of themes. In this post, we show the importance of mobility for pastoralists. To read through our archive on this theme, click on the link at the end of this post. The ability...

15 December 2023

News

Essential books and podcasts for 2023

Following on from our Summer reads and listens news story, IDS staff and students have put together a new list of essential reading and listening list for 2023. These books and podcasts cover a whole range of themes within development studies: from colonial rule; the conflict in the Middle...

14 December 2023

Publication

Stories of Change: Covid-19 Responses for Equity

Covid-19 Responses for Equity (CORE) was a three-year, CA$25m rapid research initiative that brought together 20 research projects to understand the socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic, improve existing responses, and generate better policy options for recovery. The research, funded by the...

Saira Ahmed & 18 others

13 December 2023

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).