STEG theme workshop: Theme 5

This workshop focused on the political economy of policies that promote economic development. We were particularly interested in understanding the following questions: Why are growth-conductive policies or regulations adopted in some regions but not in others? What is the role of capture by interest groups and elites in determining these policy outcomes? What are the political economy implications of the increased collaboration between public and private sectors in several developing countries? We invited applications using different methodologies, but we particularly welcomed empirical projects. Specific topics and approaches of interest included:

• Lobbying, interest groups, and power of firms
• Elite capture and its effects on policies and technology adoption
• Political determinants and effects of industrial policy
• The role of state capacity and institutions on policies and structural transformation

Paper submissions closed on Monday 17 August 2020. 

During the workshop, there was a presentation of the Inception Paper by Monica Martinez-Bravo and Leonard Wantchekon. This presentation was followed by a panel discussion with the participation of Daron Acemoglu and Rohini Pande.