Development That Delivers Opportunity

Building pathways to prosperity through interconnected research on economic development, technology, and institutional capacity

Building the Foundations of Inclusive Stability

Development research examines how institutions, markets, and human behavior shape opportunity and drive growth. It investigates the policies, systems, and innovations that enable people and communities to prosper—spanning topics from financial inclusion and political accountability to migration, public services, and the long-run forces that shape economic outcomes.

At NYU’s Development Research Institute, scholars bring empirical rigor to real-world challenges, generating insights that strengthen governance, expand access to resources, and unlock human potential. By connecting these findings to broader economic, technological, and institutional trends, we inform strategies that deliver sustainable, inclusive prosperity.

Strategic Question


Can we find pathways that reduce poverty and vulnerability and expand opportunities for all?

Key Focus Areas

Financial Inclusion and Credit Access

Expanding access to savings, credit, insurance, and payments to empower individuals and foster inclusive growth. This includes the Financial Access Initiative.

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Political Institutions and Development Outcomes

Understanding how governance structures influence stability, investment, and social progress.

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Migration, Identity, and Transnational Networks

Examining how mobility and diaspora connections shape economies and communities.

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Public Services and Accountability

Studying how service delivery and transparency improve welfare and build trust.

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Long-run Growth and Historical Legacies

Analyzing how past events and institutions shape present-day economic trajectories.

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The World’s Worst Bet: How the Globalization Gamble Went Wrong—And What Would Make It Right.

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Enhancing Resilience and Expanding Reach

To compete without compromising openness, the U.S. and its allies must strengthen economic resilience. DRI & WISC focus on realistic strategies to reduce over dependencies, secure critical inputs,
and protect against authoritarian distortion—while preserving innovation, reach, and competitiveness.

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Securing Democratic Digital Dominance

The digital domain shapes everything from economic power to military readiness. DRI & WISC advance democratic leadership across the digital ecosystem—securing trusted infrastructure, guiding innovation, and setting global standards before authoritarian models take hold.

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Modernizing Alliances for Mutual Advantage

To scale impact and deter coercion, alliances must evolve beyond shared values to shared capabilities. DRI & WISC promotes modern alliance strategies that align industrial policy, defense readiness, trade, and infrastructure for collective advantage.

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Financial Access in a Growing World

Access to affordable, reliable financial services is a cornerstone of inclusive development. As economies grow and markets evolve, millions remain underserved or excluded from formal financial systems, limiting their ability to invest, manage risk, and build resilience. This pillar examines how innovations in finance—from digital banking to microcredit—can close access gaps, adapt to shifting global conditions, and ensure that economic growth benefits individuals and communities at every level.

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Infrastructure That Binds and Builds Power

Effective development policy demands more than good intentions—it requires rigorous evidence, tested approaches, and measurable results. This pillar focuses on translating academic research into practical strategies that address complex development challenges. By combining data-driven analysis with local knowledge, the aim is to help policymakers, practitioners, and communities identify what works, adapt it to their contexts, and scale solutions that deliver lasting impact.

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Evidence-Based Practice in Development Policy

Effective development policy demands more than good intentions—it requires rigorous evidence, tested approaches, and measurable results. This pillar focuses on translating academic research into practical strategies that address complex development challenges. By combining data-driven analysis with local knowledge, the aim is to help policymakers, practitioners, and communities identify what works, adapt it to their contexts, and scale solutions that deliver lasting impact.

All Pillars