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

Emeritus Fellow and Research Associate

Ana Pueyo

Research Fellow

Carlos Fortin

Emeritus Fellow and 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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Showing 205–216 of 15301 results

Student Opinion

From Brazil to Brighton – reflections on the first term at IDS

Lucas dos Santos Miranda, MA Globalisation, Business & Development student (class of 2025), joined IDS as part of a double master’s programme partnership between IDS and Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV). We asked Lucas to tell us a bit about why he joined IDS, his first impressions and his...

Lucas dos Santos Miranda, IDS student

29 January 2025

Past Event

Recasting Development 2025

Join the Institute of Development Studies for our annual event to examine prospects for a recasting of development around the world. Watch now https://www.youtube.com/live/xDvRRAQnoio During 2024 inequality continued to grow, the world experienced its hottest year ever, the war on Gaza...

28 January 2025

Student Opinion

The top three things students ask our careers advisor

Did you know that students at IDS (and graduates for up to three years) have access to a range of skills development opportunities and careers support during their time with us? This includes a regular careers drop-in session with Helen Gorman, Careers and Employability Consultant at the...

Helen Gorman, Careers and Employability Consultant at the University of Sussex

27 January 2025

Opinion

The continuing growth of small towns in Zimbabwe

As the economic geography of Zimbabwe reconfigures following land reform, the growth of small towns continues to be an important phenomenon. No longer is economic growth concentrated in the metropolitan areas where industrial areas have declined, but it’s in small towns. Some of these have...

27 January 2025

News

ICTD welcomes new cohort to 10th edition of its Tax and Development course

The International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD), based at the Institute of Development Studies, has welcomed 25 tax and finance professionals as the latest cohort of its teaching and learning course, which commenced this month.  Delivered by ICTD for 10 years and supported by...

24 January 2025

Student Opinion

Why study international development? Insights from an MA Development student

We spoke to Aranya Sawhney Malik, MA Development Studies student (Class of 2025), about the importance of studying international development, why inclusive and free education is one of India’s most pressing needs, and how she’s planning to tackle it. Interviewer: What were you doing before...

Aranya Sawhney Malik, IDS student

24 January 2025

News

Celebrating the graduates of 2025!

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) proudly celebrates the graduation of its 2025 cohort, marking a momentous achievement for each of the students who have completed their Master’s or PhDs. These graduates, coming from all over the world, have shown immense dedication to their...

23 January 2025

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).

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