UNU WIDER : Inclusion and Transformation: Examples of WIDER Research

Inclusion and Transformation: Examples of WIDER Research

Presentation at USAID highlighting findings from our work on industrial development, and the relationship between growth and poverty.

Mon, 23 November 2015

Finn Tarp, Director of UNU-WIDER gave a presentation about the Institute’s research on inclusion and transformation at USAID on 23 November 2015. The presentation included information about UNU-WIDER’s work programme, research projects, and key research results from projects.

The discussion focused on key questions for development aid based on some key findings of the research of two projects that focus in African development: L2C - Learning to Compete and the Growth and Poverty Project (GAPP).

While there is a lot to celebrate in African development, some key challenges remain. For instance, GDP per capita has only grown 7.7% between 1974 and 2013. Also, the question of industrialization needs to be addressed; although changes in the global economy offer a window of opportunity, business as usual is not enough. Instead, Africa needs a more strategic approach to industrial development and a strong commitment of the region’s political leadership.

Experts from various sections of USAID were present at the event; Policy, Planning and Learning (PPL), Bureau of Food Security (BFS) as well as Economic Growth, Education and Environment bureaus.