Located within the Development Economics Vice Presidency, the Development Research Group is the World Bank's principal research department. With its cross-cutting expertise on a broad range of topics and countries, the department is one of the most influential centers of development research in the world.
The Development Research Group at a Glance
What's New
The?, the?, and the?World Bank?announce a competitive call for papers and participation in a two-day policy research workshop to be held on November 11-12, 2025.?We invite you to submit empirical papers that delve into the critical barriers to, as well as the opportunities to promote, women's economic participation. Priority will be given to research that studies policy solutions tailored to the unique economic landscapes of Africa to spur economic growth.?
? Submission deadline: June 30, 2025
To foster academic dialogue relevant on industrial policy for Africa, the World Bank Institute for Economic Development, the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), the Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) Program, and the International Growth Center (IGC) are convening a??in Nairobi, Kenya on February 16-18, 2026.?
The organizers invite abstract submissions for research paper presentations on any issue pertaining to industrial policy.?
? Submission deadline: July 30, 2025
Wild animals, plants, and other living organisms make Earth habitable, and their existence holds intrinsic value. Sub-Saharan Africa is the most important region for biodiversity conservation because more wildlife populations and landscapes remain intact there than anywhere else.
In this Policy Research Talk, World Bank economist? will present insights on current and emerging trends in African conservation policies.
Entrepreneurial activity is a pillar of economic growth. Successful businesses power local economies, generate jobs, and offer a pathway out of poverty. However, turning a small unproductive firm into a resilient, growing business is rarely straightforward.
This edition of?Research Insights?collects evidence from four studies that examine how different forms of support¡ªtraining, information, and business networks¡ªcan shape outcomes for micro and small firms.