By Marcia Maria Silva Casseb Catanduva, the capital of Brazil’s ceiling fan industry, is located in the exuberant hinterland of the state of São Paulo and is home to 120,000 people. Catanduva is one of the most promising regional economic centers in Northern Sao Paulo, thanks to its bustling service industry and household appliance manufacturing industry. In spite … [Read more...] about Improving the Water Quality of the São Domingos River
Latin America
Do Productive Development Policies Work for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises?
By Lucas Figal Garone Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Argentina accounted for more than half of the gross domestic product (GDP) and three-quarters of all jobs in the second half of the 2000s. However, evidence suggests that market and coordination failures have threatened the productive potential of these firms. Among the many challenges faced by … [Read more...] about Do Productive Development Policies Work for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises?
To Guide or not to Guide? Using Technology to Improve Learning
By Elena Arias and Julián Cristia Considering everything that technology has made possible, from instant global communication to space travel, harnessing it to improve learning and revolutionize education would seem well within our reach. Indeed, the IDB is looking at how technology can improve learning across Latin America and the Caribbean, where there is an urgent … [Read more...] about To Guide or not to Guide? Using Technology to Improve Learning
How to measure the effectiveness of development projects?
By Arturo J. Galindo y Tracy Betts For those of us working in the field of international development, it’s more and more critical to understand what works, what doesn’t work, and why to be able to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of what we do. That’s the reason why it is of utmost importance for a multilateral organization such as the Inter-American … [Read more...] about How to measure the effectiveness of development projects?
Would you leave your children home alone while at work?
By Claudia Piras Free daycare services do not ensure a significant increase in women’s participation in the labor market. Why? The results of an after-school activities program in Chile may have the answer. What is the most common reason given by women when asked why they are not looking for a job? Just what you might think: because they have to take care of their … [Read more...] about Would you leave your children home alone while at work?