Understanding the drivers of credit constraints is essential for fostering private sector development and firm growth. This study examines the channels through which electronic payments influence firm...
Type: Policy Research Working PaperReport#: WPS11287Date: January 9, 2026Author:
Galilea, Manuel ;
Farazi, Subika ;
Mare, Davide Salvatore
Unreliable electricity supply in developing countries is a persistent problem with significant adverse consequences for economic growth. This paper uses a novel database on utilities, which provides systematic...
Type: Policy Research Working PaperReport#: WPS11290Date: January 9, 2026Author:
Berha, Andu ;
Khemani, Stuti
This case study examines Saudi Arabia’s bold commitment to reimagining education and training through digital transformation, with FutureX as its flagship initiative. Across the globe, countries are working...
Type: ReportReport#: 207775Date: January 9, 2026Author:
May, Than Thi ;
Vargas Mancera, Maria Jose ;
Egan, Dominick
This paper develops a conceptual framework to analyze how gendered social norms mediate the effects of legal frameworks on women’s economic empowerment. Using the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law...
Type: Policy Research Working PaperReport#: WPS11288Date: January 9, 2026Author:
Gurbuz Cuneo, Alev ;
Tribin Uribe, Ana Maria ;
Trumbic, Tea ;
Perrin, Caroline
Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at an extraordinary speed, reshaping how people learn, work, and live. This report, Strengthening AI Foundations, is the second in the Digital Progress and Trends...
Type: PublicationReport#: 206876Date: January 9, 2026Author:
World Bank
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the capability of machines or computer systems to simulate human intelligence. Focusing on low- and middle-income countries (LICs and MICs), the report presents a...
Type: PublicationReport#: 206876Date: January 9, 2026Author:
World Bank
This paper examines whether project restructuring improves World Bank project performance. Using panel data on Implementation Status and Results ratings, it combines two-way fixed effects with the PanelMatch...
Type: Policy Research Working PaperReport#: WPS11289Date: January 9, 2026Author:
Martin, Lisandro ;
Leguia Alegria, Juan Jose ;
Han, Ze
Malaysia has made significant progress in improving its business environment to attract investment and boost productivity and competitiveness. This case study examines two pioneering initiatives - the...
Type: ReportReport#: 207757Date: January 9, 2026Author:
World Bank ;
Corporation, Malaysia Productivity
How do climate shocks shape resource allocation across firms? Rising temperatures might worsen allocative efficiency if large, productive firms face constraints in adapting. This paper assesses this question...
Type: Policy Research Working PaperReport#: WPS11284Date: January 8, 2026Author:
Rexer, Jonah Matthew ;
Sharma, Siddharth
Text and voice messages have emerged as a low-cost and popular tool for nudging recipients to change behavior. This paper presents findings from a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the impact...
Type: Policy Research Working PaperReport#: WPS11286Date: January 8, 2026Author:
Geven, Koen Martijn ;
Tahir, Ayesha ;
Fasih, Tazeen ;
Qureshi, Javaeria ;
Hasan, Amer ;
Fazili, Sheena ;
Malik, Rabea ;
Macdonald, Kevin Alan David
This study evaluates a randomized trial in Côte d’Ivoire, implemented by the Africa Gender Innovation Lab (GIL), which tested whether varying the content and recipient of SMS reminders can increase enrollment...
Type: BriefReport#: 207719Date: January 8, 2026Author:
Anna, Jeannie ;
Boa, Patrice ;
Delavallade, Clara ;
Evans, David ;
Guimond, Marie-France ;
Koussoube, Mousson Estelle Jamel ;
Rouanet, Lea Marie ;
Tassy, Josephine Maria Sultane
Using high-resolution administrative, census, and satellite data, this paper shows that South African cities are characterized by spatial mismatches between where people live and where jobs are located,...
Type: Policy Research Working PaperReport#: WPS11285Date: January 8, 2026Author:
Baez, Javier E. ;
Kshirsagar, Varun Sridhar
The Košice Self-Governing Region (KSK) and the World Bank worked closely together to produce this report, which is divided into five main chapters: the first chapter gives a broad overview of the tourism...
Type: ReportReport#: 207751Date: January 8, 2026Author:
World Bank
The business practices of unregistered or informal enterprises can significantly affect their performance and the overall productivity of the sector. However, very little is known about the prevalence...
Type: Policy Research Working PaperReport#: WPS11280Date: January 7, 2026Author:
Amin, Mohammad ;
Islam, Asif Mohammed ;
Padhi, Debasmita
The world faces a pressing challenge to meet key development objectives amid slowing growth and rising macroeconomic and geopolitical risks. With the number of job seekers rising rapidly, infrastructure...
Type: Policy Research Working PaperReport#: WPS11282Date: January 7, 2026Author:
Adarov, Amat ;
Kose, Ayhan ;
Vorisek, Dana
State capacity is an important prerequisite for policy implementation, yet at the country level it is difficult to measure, assess, and reform. This paper proposes a focus on institutional capacity: the...
Type: Policy Research Working PaperReport#: WPS11279Date: January 7, 2026Author:
Kim, Galileu ;
Kumar, Tanu ;
Ramalho, Rita ;
Russell, Stuart Ehrlich
This report analyzes the distributional impacts of taxes and transfers on household welfare in the West Bank and Gaza using the Commitment to Equity methodology, allowing comparison with other countries...
Climate change is widely recognized as a driver of violent conflict, but its broader social effects remain less understood. Ignoring these dimensions risks a vicious cycle where climate policies might...
Type: Policy Research Working PaperReport#: WPS11283Date: January 7, 2026Author:
Cuesta Leiva, Jose Antonio ;
Huff, Connor
A randomized experiment tested the effectiveness of individual and small group–based consulting services on firms in the Colombian auto parts industry, finding improvements in management and firm performance...
Type: Policy Research Working PaperReport#: WPS11278Date: January 7, 2026Author:
Iacovone, Leonardo ;
McKenzie, David ;
Maloney, William F.
Despite significant strides toward gender equality, women around the world continue to encounter systemic obstacles that hinder their entrepreneurial success. This paper systematically reviews the literature...
Type: Policy Research Working PaperReport#: WPS11281Date: January 7, 2026Author:
Behr, Daniela Monika ;
Xi, Yue
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