William Easterly and Yaw Nyarko, co-directors of the Development Research Institute (DRI), recipient of the 2nd Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Development Cooperation, discuss in this interview how development policies must be based on real evidence and respect for the autonomy of communities. Both researchers explain why many traditional programs have failed by ignoring local incentives and the importance of institutions, and they emphasize the need for approaches that prioritize individual freedom, sustainable growth, and people’s capacity to make informed decisions. Their reflection underscores the role of rigorous empirical research in understanding which policies work, which do not, and how to design effective interventions to reduce poverty and improve well-being in developing countries.
The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Development Cooperation catego
William Easterly and Yaw Nyarko, co-directors of the Development Research Institute (DRI), recipient of the 2nd Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Development Cooperation, discuss in this interview how development policies must be based on real evidence and respect for the autonomy of communities. Both researchers explain why many traditional programs have failed by ignoring local incentives and the importance of institutions, and they emphasize the need for approaches that prioritize individual freedom, sustainable growth, and people’s capacity to make informed decisions. Their reflection underscores the role of rigorous empirical research in understanding which policies work, which do not, and how to design effective interventions to reduce poverty and improve well-being in developing countries.
The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Development Cooperation category goes in this second edition to the Development Research Institute (DRI), at New York University, for its contribution to the analysis of foreign aid provision, and its challenge to the conventional wisdom in development assistance.
00:00 Introduction
00:05 How does it feel to receive this award, and what are the implications for the future?
01:10 What is the DRI’s characteristic approach to analyzing the delivery of external aid?
02:07 In your opinion, what are the best practices in aid delivery?
02:57 What led you to become involved, from a rather personal perspective, in the analysis of aid delivery
