Business and private enterprise dominate the conversation in economics, but the rules of the game are made and enforced by governments and the public sector. The role of these institutions isn’t always obvious, but they are foundational to widespread economic prosperity.
However, good governance and good institutions aren’t always easy. Good intentions are important, but they also require knowledge, effort, and effective collaboration between the public and private sector.
When policy is done well, policy works. Reimagining the Economy investigates policy experimentation and implementation through collaborations with practitioners. We also bring in the perspectives of social and organizational theorists to identify the inequality-perpetuating features of existing institutions, interpret successful institutional arrangements, and develop alternative institutional trajectories for the future.
What we're doing
Collaborating with academics: Working with scholars in economics as well as fields like law and policy to take a holistic view on the economy and how the government can help it run. See our series On the Other Hand, featuring perspectives from outside mainstream economics.
Studying the implementation of policies: Unpacking the institutional arrangements and implementation approaches undergirding industrial and place-based policies and taking stock of a range of public and private experimentation. Our Policy Works podcast features in-depth conversations with economic development leaders to learn how policy works (and how it can fail).
Convening experts: Gathering policymakers from around the US and the world to share their experiences and learn best practices.