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 61–72 of 14829 results

Past Event

Tax and Digitalisation in Africa: Lessons for the G20 GovTech Agenda

The global digital public infrastructure (DPI) agenda is substantially informed by experiences from the Global North and South Asia. Africa has its own vast array of contributors to add to the debate. In a historic move, under India’s G20 Presidency (and with support from UNDP and...

26 June 2024

OPINION SERIES

UK election: International development priorities for a new government

The UK general election is being held on the 4 July 2024 and soon after a new government will be formed. The rise of AI technologies, trade negotiations, global taxation, poverty and inequalities, and conflict and humanitarian crises – not least in Gaza and Sudan –are all pressing...

25 June 2024

News

IDS Researchers at DSA2024

IDS researchers are out in force this year presenting at this years Development Studies Association (DSA) conference – the biggest of its kind in Europe – and which takes place at SOAS, London from the 26 to 28 June. The theme of the conference this year is Social justice and development in...

25 June 2024

Report

CLARISSA Cash Plus Social Protection Intervention: An Evaluation

CLARISSA Research and Evidence Paper 12

This paper presents the results of the multi-method evaluation of the CLARISSA Cash Plus pilot, which was an innovative social protection scheme for tackling social ills, including the worst forms of child labour.

Neil Howard & 5 others

24 June 2024

Opinion

Are we waiting for an epidemic? Water and sanitation in Ghana’s schools

In September 2017, the Government of Ghana introduced the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy to ensure inclusive education for all and support the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) four. Since then, there has been a massive increase in enrolment in Senior High Schools (SHSs)....

Wilhemina Asare, University for Development Studies, Ghana & 5 others

24 June 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).