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 361–372 of 14836 results

Report

Life Stories From Children Working in Bangladesh’s Leather Sector and its Neighbourhoods: Told and Analysed by Children

CLARISSA Research and Evidence Paper 5

This paper is a record of the children’s analysis of the life stories and key themes they identified, which formed the basis of a series of seven child-led Participatory Action Research groups.

8 November 2023

Student Opinion

Increasing my impact for social good

Abhishek Saini is a 2023/24 MA Governance, Development & Public Policy student at IDS. This is his first time in the UK, and he is the first person in his family to study abroad. We caught up with Abhishek about what led him to IDS, and his aspirations for the future. The first time I saw the...

Abhishek Saini

6 November 2023

News

New online course content: biodiversity, climate, policy

The PASTRES programme, co-hosted by IDS and the European University Institute, free open access online course on Pastoralism and Uncertainty has been updated with new sections. The three new sections explore the issues around biodiversity and climate change, shaped in part by high-level...

6 November 2023

Opinion

Obituary: Saleemul Huq, a passionate voice for climate justice

The recent sudden death of Saleemul Huq on 28 October 2023 has shocked and saddened thousands of people who were touched by his zeal, kindness, generosity of spirit and gentle humour. All have been inspired by his vision and deep commitment to making the world a better place. His work and...

Terry Cannon
Terry Cannon & 4 others

2 November 2023

News

Podcast: Foreign aid and its unintended consequences

Foreign aid and international development frequently bring with it a range of unintended consequences, both negative and positive. This episode of the IDS Between the Lines podcast delves into these consequences, providing a fresh and comprehensive guide to understanding and addressing...

1 November 2023

Opinion

Are robot lawyers the future of increasing access to justice?

In March 2023 GPT-4 passed the solicitors qualifying exam (the SQE) which is the national qualifying exam to become a solicitor in the UK. In the same month GPT-4 also passed the Bar Exam in the United States. Does this mean that in the future we will no longer need lawyers, as all our legal...

1 November 2023

Publication

Digitalisation and Subnational Tax Administration in Nigeria

African Tax Administration Paper; 29

Recently, there has been an expansion in the deployment of digital systems and digital IDs among taxing authorities. However, little is known about the extent to which such technologies are being adopted, or about whether the data from them is being used strategically to improve tax...

Abdulsalam Mas’ud & 2 others

1 November 2023

Working Paper

Big Data for Development Studies? An Innovative Methodology

IDS Working Paper 596

This paper makes a foundational methodological contribution to the analysis of big data for development studies. Big data has revolutionised the natural and applied sciences (and commerce). However, its use within development studies has been comparatively limited.

31 October 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).