Local elections have the potential to disrupt the ‘business-as-usual’ culture that often settles in bureaucracies. Evidence from village elections in Indonesia shows that changes in leadership improve information flows between citizens and the state,...

Economy-wide expansion of credit for SMEs in Brazil induced entry of more capable firms but did not change employment at the municipal level

In democracies around the world, elections mobilise thousands of campaign workers who play an integral role in shaping candidates’ electoral performance. Yet, little is known about these workers and how working in a campaign shapes their professional...

Providing information about the quality of placement agencies improves migration outcomes for job-seeking migrant women

Redrawing subnational political boundaries potentially reduces interethnic tensions yet also can create new ethnic divisions that exacerbate conflict

Clustering of firms in Indonesia only leads to substantial productivity spillovers in a few industries, suggesting the need to review cluster policies

Better matching between transmigrants’ origin and destination agroclimate and languages can substantially improve productivity and integration

Relocation programmes should consider providing agricultural extension services to ensure migrants adapt and cope in new environments