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Global trade is witnessing unprecedented changes. From geopolitical conflicts to escalating trade wars, climate change, resource scarcities, and regulatory complexities, there have been resulting radical shifts in how we think about trade and sobering lessons on the future of trade for equitable and sustainable growth and development cooperation.
Our research responds to this new reality, investigating the links between international trade, growth, and development. We generate evidence on trade and trade policy pathways that result in inclusive development outcomes, and which address inequities in trade policy processes, regulations and global flows of good and services. We work with government agencies, international trade bodies, INGOS and others to achieve this.
We work on topics such as trade agreements, the future of trade and development cooperation, South-South trade, trade and security linkages, environmental protection and climate goals, trade and gender equity, the role of AI and digital services in trade, the role of business and the political economy of trade.
The new reality of trade for development involves numerous spheres of influence. For instance, while trade agreements increasingly include provisions on labour and environmental protection, there is also a strategic rise of more targeted mini-deals and partnerships addressing specific barriers and security objectives. Similarly, AI is playing a significant role in reshaping trade, optimising supply chains, automating compliance, and data-driven efficiency with a promise for wider inclusion, but its benefits may remain unevenly distributed without concerted action. In this complex landscape, businesses are adapting with technological advancements.
Navigating trade policy with economic security concerns, its linkages with targeted investments, harnessing benefits of digital services while respecting privacy, and trust in rules-based multilateralism are just some of the many challenges.
There is a need to reimagine the role of trade to balance economic security, sustainability, and inclusion. New alliances and partnerships will be central for the future of trade for development. In addition, it is important to avoid reverting to old extractivist models, and instead to push for practical trade policy with pro-poor, gender-equitable, climate-sensitive approaches that can lead to inclusive and sustainable growth.
The program focuses on robust evidence to improve global data and understanding of trade’s role in poverty reduction and economic development and strengthening policies toward more inclusive...
International trade generates winners and losers – posing the more challenging question of what can be done about it. This seminar series engages with academic debates, policy and practice on...
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