GSX

Problem-driven research addressing societal issues

Much research in economics has societal relevance at some level. However, rather than focusing on the potential societal relevance at the end of the research project, GSX suggests a problem-driven research approach in which it focuses on projects that have as their starting points pressing societal issues or challenges. With this as the starting point, the research in GSX often takes us beyond disciplinary boundaries, mixing disciplines and methods within individual projects. As we appreciate and value joint knowledge production with actors within and beyond the academic world, research in GSX is often transdisciplinary in nature.

Research done at GSX covers a wide variety of topics and is executed by professors, postdocs and PhDs. Typical research topics include:

• Sustainability assessment
• Innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development
• Governance and institutions
• Economics of science and innovation
• Structural change and development
• Migration and Development
• Social Protection

The overarching concern, though, is research that will have relatively direct practical implications, and help policy makers and others find solutions for policy issues and societal challenges. That said, the research done at GSX does not sacrifice academic rigor to achieve these ends. The success of GSX lies in its ability to combine high-quality academic research with a direct interest in societal issues.