Firms
We share evaluation summaries, policy insight briefings and policy publications that draw out key lessons from the research, and collaborate with policymakers, businesses, and organizations on how they can apply evidence to strengthen their work and decision-making. We are also funding new research through the Jobs and Opportunity Initiative (JOI).
Blog
Africa’s jobs problem is a market access problem
One common way that governments and development funders try to promote business growth and job creation is to help businesses produce more, including by giving them credit and training. This can be useful, but only a little and for some. Why? Part of the answer is because most firms are not just...
Blog
To boost jobs in low- and middle-income countries, support more than just entrepreneurs
When J-PAL co-founder Esther Duflo spoke with Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) last fall, she shared a message that resonated deeply with both our organizations: "Evidence is not about confirming what we believe; it’s about discovering what actually makes a difference."
Blog
AI for social good: Supporting workers and businesses in LMICs
Researchers in the J-PAL network have been using randomized evaluations to learn how to help people get jobs and how to help businesses grow for over two decades, drawing out insights to inform policies and programs from Brazil to sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Researchers have also started testing...
Blog
The Evidence Effect: What we’ve learned working with the private sector for inclusive growth
The private sector is a fundamental force for driving global prosperity. For corporations and investors, there’s enormous opportunity in low- and middle-income countries’ growing markets and talent. What’s less clear is how to partner most effectively for maximum impact: How can multinationals...
Policy insight
Workplace interventions to improve worker well-being
Firm-level interventions aimed at improving the well-being of workers have led to safer workplaces, greater worker health, higher job satisfaction, and lower turnover. In some cases, these programs also increased workers’ productivity, which benefited their employers.
Policy insight
Market access: Connecting firms and entrepreneurs to markets to spur business and job growth
Improved access to markets has often helped small firms in low- and middle-income countries grow by boosting firm revenues and profits. These interventions have been effective because they have led to new sales, helped firms connect with new types of buyers, and increased information sharing and...
Blog
Expanding access to financing for SMEs
Access to finance is critical for firms to grow, innovate, and create jobs that help workers escape poverty. However, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) worldwide are often underserved by financial institutions. In this blog, we explore early findings on SME financing for policymakers...
Blog
Shaping the right incentives for firms to facilitate climate adaptation and improve environmental quality
IPA and JPAL have supported numerous rigorous research studies exploring diverse questions related to climate change and sustainable development. In particular, since 2020, the King Climate Action Initiative at J-PAL has funded several randomized evaluations addressing these questions as well as...
