Research and Publications

Infrastructure Foundations" presents a global database on physical infrastructure assets across 150+ countries. It finds widespread underinvestment in energy, transport, and digital sectors—especially in Sub-Saharan Africa—and offers a policy framework to prioritize investments based on social returns.

This report examines initial teacher education (ITE) globally, identifying five key principles to strengthen teacher preparation and improve education outcomes, supported by 11 country case studies.

What a Waste 3.0 is the World Bank's updated global reference on municipal solid waste, drawing on data from 217 countries and 262 cities, covering generation, treatment, disposal, plastics, financing, and the shift toward circularity.

Nourish and Flourish calls for transforming agricultural water management to feed 10 billion people by 2050 through three paradigm shifts, a water-food nexus framework, and expanded financing — unlocking food security, jobs, and climate resilience.

Amidst slower global growth, a shifting labor market, and rising protectionism, governments around the world are increasingly turning to a once controversial policy. Industrial policy—the range of policy tools governments use to shape what an economy produces, rather than leaving it to markets alone—is back with a vengeance.

Human capital—the health, knowledge, skills, and experience that people accumulate throughout their lives—is essential for productivity and economic growth. Yet, progress has stalled, and there have even been reversals in human capital accumulation over the last 15 years.