How lumpy investments determine the effect of expanding financial services: Evidence from Uganda

Grants and finance can alleviate poverty traps associated with lumpy investments, but the impact on development depends on the supply of investment goods...

Does trade increase firms’ market power over workers? Evidence from Brazil

Opening to trade can substantially increase local labour market concentration, but whether local firms exploit this to underpay workers depends on workers’ ability to substitute across versus within labour markets...

Innovation versus imitation: Where all that Chinese R&D is going

The productivity of innovation could be enhanced by reducing distortions in the economy; increasing R&D expenditure is no guarantee of growth...

Reducing electricity blackouts in developing countries: Evidence from India

Wholesale electricity market inefficiencies contribute to blackouts in developing countries...

Human capital growth: An engine for structural transformation

Growth in human capital reduces agricultural labour supply, while in turn the expansion of non-agricultural sectors drives human capital growth...

The economic effects of easing zoning restrictions: Evidence from São Paulo

Zoning reform in São Paulo led to new building permits, modest price declines primarily benefitting the college-educated rich moving in from suburbs ...

The productivity consequences of pollution-induced migration in China

Productivity losses from pollution through the indirect migration channel are approximately as much as the direct health costs of pollution...

Land rights and agricultural productivity: Evidence from China

Weak land rights among farmers reduces agricultural productivity and output, hitting skilled farmers hardest...

Easing contracting frictions with machines: Evidence from India

Mechanisation standardises output and lowers supervision needs for hired labour, freeing owners’ families to engage in profitable off-farm activities...