Development Economics

Data powers development.

By unlocking the full value of data for development, the Development Data Group helps achieve the World Bank's mission to create a world free from poverty on a livable planet.

Through leading data public goods, cutting-edge innovations and research, pioneering partnerships, and globally trusted technical expertise, we lead efforts to ensure development data is of high quality, accessible, and widely used across the world.

The Development Research Group is the World Bank's principal research department, covering a broad range of topics and countries. Research plays a crucial role in learning from past policies and shaping the future. The Development Research Group undertakes catalytic research with the aim of generating new knowledge on what works in development. With its cross-cutting expertise, the department serves as the foundation for effective policy making within and beyond the Bank.

The Global Indicators Group produces primary data and analysis on private sector development. It promotes regulations, institutions, and policies conducive to job creation, capital investment, economic productivity, and gender equality in the economy. Its data and indicators are reliable, relevant, and comparable across economies, and used for policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, and development research. The Group houses World Bank Group flagships on business environment and women's economic empowerment, as well as the world's most comprehensive enterprise surveys.

The World Bank’s Development Impact Department (DIME) generates high-quality and operationally relevant data and research to transform development policy, help reduce extreme poverty, and secure shared prosperity. It develops customized data and evidence ecosystems to produce actionable information and recommend specific policy pathways to maximize impact.

The World Bank’s Prospects Group conducts in-depth analysis of key global macroeconomic developments and their impact on World Bank member countries. The Prospects Group leads the World Bank’s forecasting work and produces the semi-annual Global Economic Prospects flagship report. It also produces the Commodity Markets Outlook, policy-relevant research on topical issues, and timely updates on global economic developments.