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At the Harvard Center for International Development (CID), we tackle the world’s most pressing development challenges through research that spans 12 core themes. 

CID faculty affiliates across Harvard generate insights that inform policy and drive inclusive growth. Each research theme page offers a deeper look at how our work is shaping real-world solutions and helping to build a thriving world for all.

 

Business, Firms, & Finance

Unlocking how inclusive business ecosystems and financial systems drive growth, innovation, and opportunity.

 

Climate & Energy

Exploring solutions to decouple growth from environmental harm and build resilient, low-carbon economies.

 

Conflict, Peace, & Security

Investigating the root causes of violence and pathways to peace, stability, and inclusive development.

 

Culture, Institutions, & History

Understanding how cultural norms, institutions, and historical legacies shape today’s development outcomes.

 

Education & Human Development

Advancing equitable, high-quality education and lifelong learning to unlock human potential around the world.

 

Gender & Inclusion

Generating insights into how identity-based inequalities form—and how policies can foster equity and representation.

 

Governance, Political Economy & Public Management

Examining how political institutions, public policy, and civic engagement shape effective, accountable governance.

 

Health & Wellbeing

Designing evidence-based solutions to strengthen health systems and reduce global disparities in wellbeing.

 

Labor & Urban Economics

Analyzing labor markets, mobility, and urban growth to promote inclusive, equitable cities and employment systems.

 

Social Welfare & Public Finance

Studying how smart public spending, taxation, and welfare systems can reduce inequality and boost resilience.

 

Technology & Data Science

Harnessing AI, big data, and digital innovation to solve complex development challenges at scale.

 

Trade, Growth, & Regional Economics

Exploring how trade, regional integration, and globalization shape economic opportunity and inclusive progress.