Inclusive economic development is central to long-term poverty reduction. However, economic development is sometimes far from inclusive; policies can be captured by vested interests and some approaches to economic development can harm development outcomes – particularly for women and vulnerable communities - instead of helping them. Key to achieving inclusive economic development is to understand the structures and institutions of the economy and the incentives faced by its main actors within it.
We specialise in understanding the political economy of economic reform in:
- agriculture and rural development
- green growth (also see our climate change and energy programme)
- private sector development
- trade and industrial policy
- investment climate
- extractive industries
Our analysis informs the design, implementation and review of strategies and programmes. We also provide long-term inputs to help economic interventions adapt to take account of political economy challenges, so that projects have a greater chance of delivering gender-sensitive, inclusive and pro-poor economic reforms.
The Policy Practice led a one year research project on anti-corruption innovations in the electricity sector in Lebanon as part of the SOAS Anti-Corruption Evidence research programme.
Listen to our podcast, Risk Reduction as Anti-Corruption To Power Up The Electricity Sector, co-written by Neil McCulloch and Muzna Al-Masri, and read our blog on the link between the 2020 Beirut explosion, corruption and electricity sector reforms.
The Policy Practice delivered a political economy analysis for the inception phase of the Lebanon Economic Reform and Infrastructure Investment, a UK-funded programme to contribute to the Government of Lebanon’s vision of growth and prosperity, economic opportunities and social cohesion for Lebanese citizens.
