Empirical studies on total factor productivity growth (TFPG) in developing countries highlight trade open-ness, research and development and market structure as being the most important determinants of TFPG. The role of institutions remains overlooked in the literature on the determinants of...

It is commonly argued that a better investment climate reform – that is, lower distortions in the institutional, policy and regulatory environment in which firms operate - lead to discernible improvements in firm performance. In this paper, we argue that effective state business relations...

This paper analyses the productivity performance of the Indian manufacturing sector using unit level data, which is aggregated at four-digit industry level for the period 1994-95 to 2004-05 for 15 major states. The study focuses on both the organized and unorganized segments of the manufacturing...

This paper examines the role of the external institutional environment captured by effective state-business relations on firm performance. By effective state-business relations, we mean a set of highly institutionalized, responsive and public interactions between the state and the business...

This working paper sets out the fieldwork manual that was utilised to conduct research in LADDER villages in Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Kenya during 2001. The manual was applied in 38 villages and to roughly 1,200 households across the four countries. The manual seeks to combine qualitative...

This article examines recent and potential reforms in India’s fiscal federal system. We summarize key federal institutions in India, including tax and expenditure assignments, and mechanisms for Center-state transfers. We discuss the institutional process by which reforms can and do take...

Access to adequate health care services is an important component of empowering people with human capital. This, however, can be achieved only when the spending on health care is adequate and delivery systems efficient. Improving health indicators is an important component of the Millennium...