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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Past Event

Revisiting the UN Water Conference: 46 years of learning and forgetting?

This event examines the progress and challenges that have shaped water and development from Mar-del- Plata (1977) to the upcoming UN Water Conference in New York City (2023). Speakers will focus on key achievements and missed opportunities, and reflect on what’s proposed at New York in terms...

14 March 2023

Student Opinion

Crossing the finish line

Kenta Matsumoto, who studied the MA Development Studies at IDS in 2022/23, featured in the Argus newspaper after completing the Brighton Half Marathon. He shares his insights into running has helped him with his studies. I started running three years ago, and this was my second half marathon....

Kenta Matsumoto

13 March 2023

News

Experts call for new, people-centred strategy to prepare for next pandemic

Global health leaders must look beyond technological solutions says a new report published today by the Institute of Development Studies. Three years on from the declaration of the Covid-19 pandemic, experts are warning the global health community to think beyond vaccines and lockdowns,...

10 March 2023

Opinion

Breaking the link between ‘polycrisis’ and poverty

This year marks the halfway point— eight years in and eight years out— of the UN Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty and reduce inequalities. Yet we are a long way off from these commitments, and multiple crises - now known as ‘polycrisis’ – such as conflict, disaster and...

10 March 2023

Opinion

Embracing equity in different contexts this International Women’s Day

This International Women's Day (8 March) falls after a year in which we have seen the continuation of gender backlash forces around the world. Women's reproductive rights are being increasingly targeted, online gender based violence is multiplying in diverse contexts, and in many settings...

10 March 2023

Report

Pandemic Preparedness for the Real World

Why We Must Invest in Equitable, Ethical and Effective Approaches to Help Prepare for the Next Pandemic The cost of the Covid-19 pandemic remains unknown. Lives directly lost to the disease continue to mount, while related health, livelihood and wellbeing impacts are still being felt, and the...

10 March 2023

Publication

The Alternatives to Universal Tax Registration in Sri Lanka

This note argues that the Sri Lankan government’s recent proposal to implement universal tax registration is neither a viable nor effective strategy to increase the country’s tax revenue. Instead, the note proposes four alternative measures that are more feasible, while still serving the...

Nishan de Mel

9 March 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).