Addressing Together the Big Challenges of Development

Scientific evidence against inequality: A new alliance between research and global policymaking is at the start

From access to health care to educational poverty, from labor policies to gender inclusion: these are the major issues on which the collaboration between LEAP - Laboratory for Effective Anti-poverty Policies at Bocconi University and the World Bank will focus, sanctioned by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last April 7.

An understanding that stems from a shared vision: to address global challenges with evidence-based tools through rigorous yet hands-on research aimed at concretely influencing public decisions in the most vulnerable contexts. The MoU involves cooperation on multiple levels, including joint research projects, thematic workshops, exchange of data and expertise, and student training activities.

LEAP is an applied research laboratory notable for its evidence-based approach to the study of poverty and inequality, with a focus on the impact of public policies in low- and middle-income countries. LEAP researchers conduct field experiments, develop economic models, and collaborate with governments, NGOs, and multilateral bodies to design and evaluate effective interventions.

LEAP's main areas of research include:

• Educational poverty and access to quality education in disadvantaged settings
• Gender policies for equitable and sustainable development
• Health and access to public services in low-income countries
• Small entrepreneurship and inclusive finance
• Labor markets and human capital, with a focus on the inclusion of vulnerable populations;
   

"With this agreement, LEAP consolidates its position as a European hub of excellence in development research. The World Bank is a key partner to provide scale and impact to the evidence we produce, helping improve the lives of people in the countries where we operate," commented Lucia Corno, Executive Director of LEAP

"We continue our efforts to strengthen LEAP's role as a bridge between academic research and policymaking. With this collaboration we will develop strategic synergies for evidence-based development cooperation, which is essential for effective and efficient anti-poverty interventions globally," added Luca Privinzano, Associate Director of Research at LEAP.

The World Bank has established a Knowledge Hub (K-Hub) in Rome, reflecting its commitment to enhancing research, data, partnerships and innovation. Central to this initiative is the Institute for Economic Development (IED), which fosters global collaboration and knowledge exchange to develop innovative ideas capable of addressing the most pressing development challenges. IED represents a dynamic platform where think tanks, experts, researchers and academics come together to share ideas, learn from each other and conduct cutting-edge research. The goal is to promote transformative solutions through the dissemination of knowledge and the building of strong collaborations.

"The Rome office, through the Data Center and the Institute for Economic Development, is an ideal base to support the goals of the agreement with LEAP, providing a fertile environment for joint initiatives that integrate data, research and operational impact," said Gero Carletto, senior manager of the World Bank's Development Data Group and acting director of IED.

"Given the common goals of LEAP and the World Bank in Rome, there are ample opportunities for cooperation through the activation of high-impact joint initiatives capable of translating scientific knowledge into operational tools to support development policies. This agreement reflects the evolution of the World Bank as a 'Knowledge Bank,' in addition to project financing, emphasizing the importance of sharing knowledge and experience to address development challenges," commented Stefania Lenoci, World Bank Group Resident Representative to Italy, Special Representative for Southern Europe, the Holy See, and the UN Agencies in Rome.

Originally published at Bocconi News and Events Hub.