Policy
I translate economic research into policies for long-run growth. My policy work is grounded in sustained collaboration with governments and researchers rather than one-off commentary.
Technology and AI
How artificial intelligence and new technologies reshape productivity, labour markets, and the path of structural transformation.
Energy systems
Pricing, contracts, subsidies, metering, utility performance, and the transition to reliable low-carbon power.
Growth strategy
Productivity, exports, cities, structural transformation, and the institutional foundations of investment.
Climate and public finance
Adaptation, critical minerals, fiscal reform, and the distributional consequences of economic transition.
Selected policy work
Making Cities Work for Business
IGC policy toolkit · with Victoria Delbridge, Muskan Jain, and Juliana Oliveira-CunhaHow infrastructure, services, regulation, and labour-market access allow cities to become platforms for firm growth.
Smart Meters for Firms in Ethiopia: Evidence from a Randomised Experiment
IGC policy brief · with Eyoual Tamrat Demeke, Aregawi Gebremariam, Niclas Moneke, Sugandha Srivastav, Ephrem Andargie Tadesse, and Tewodros Assefa TesemmaBaseline evidence and policy lessons from an ongoing trial with 1,583 firms and the Ethiopian Electricity Utility.
Power Structures and Energy Reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa
IGC policy note
Climate and Environment: What We Know and What We Need to Know
Chapter in The London Consensus, LSE Press · with Robin BurgessAn evidence-led agenda for sustainable growth, climate resilience, innovation, and the research still needed by policymakers.
Sustainable Pakistan: Addressing Climate-Driven Demands and Fiscal Challenges for Electricity
IGC growth brief · with Sajid Faiz Malik, Faraz Hayat, and Zuhair KhanWhy affordability, fiscal sustainability, and renewable energy must be addressed together in Pakistan’s power sector.
A Framework for Productivity and Export-Led Growth in Pakistan
Growth framework prepared at the request of Pakistan’s Planning Commission · contributing authorA cross-sector strategy centred on productive jobs, competitiveness, tax and state-owned-enterprise reform, trade, cities, and skills.
Transition-Critical Minerals
IGC policy note · with Shahrukh Wani and Jonathan LeapeHow mineral-rich countries can build domestic value, diversify supply chains, and manage the environmental costs of extraction.
Innovation, Growth, and the Environment
IGC white paper · with Robin Burgess, Stefano Caria, and Allegra SaggeseA research and policy framework for raising living standards while protecting the natural environment.
Government engagement
Energy, fiscal reform, and industrial policy
Advice to senior federal decision-makers on electricity tariffs, power-purchase agreements, industrial competitiveness, tax proposals, and macroeconomic reform.
National energy policy
National energy policy, diffusion of solar, and utility reforms, including the evidence base for smart-meter deployment.
Electricity and industrial activity
Electricity sector losses, outages, and industrial activity, and their effects on firm productivity and agglomeration.
Utility tariff reform
Water and electricity tariff reforms.
Climate and structural transformation
Policies for climate adaptation and structural transformation.
Electrification and urban growth
Research and policy support on the National Electrification Plan, energy pricing, infrastructure constraints, and the development of Yangon.
Earlier briefs and reports
- Sustainable Growth for a Changing Climate — IGC growth brief, 2022
- Energy and Environment for Economic Growth — IGC evidence paper, 2021
- Building a Healthy Power Sector in Pakistan — Government of Pakistan report, 2020
- Little Book of Growth Ideas — IGC publication, contributing author, 2020
- Estimating a Social Discount Rate for Myanmar — IGC brief, 2018
- Developing Yangon’s Periphery — IGC policy brief, 2017
- Energy in Myanmar — IGC policy brief, 2016
- Urban Myanmar — IGC policy brief, 2016
For a fuller record of appointments and policy engagement, see the curriculum vitae.