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How do new technologies spread across the global economy?

The development of new technology is at the heart of economic growth. But the ways in which new products and processes spread around the world are vulnerable to changes in trade policy, with growing protectionism likely to constrain progress.

Trade & supply chains

What are the economic implications of the UK-EU reset deal?

The May 2025 ‘reset’ between the European Union and the UK addresses frictions that have emerged as a result of Brexit. The economic effects may be somewhat limited, but the agreement reflects political realities and brings stability at a time of heightened global uncertainty.

Trade & supply chains

Sanctions effectiveness: what lessons three years into the war on Ukraine?

Western countries imposed extensive sanctions on Russia after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. But the measures were unilateral and piecemeal – and while they have been effective in disrupting the Russian economy, evasion and ‘trade deflection’ through third countries limits their impact.

DATA HUB

Historical price of computer memory and storage

This chart shows an example of reductions in the costs of new technologies over time, highlighting the dramatic fall in the real cost of computer memory and storage over time. In the space of just a few decades, the cost of computer (random access) memory dropped exponentially, from hundreds of trillions of dollars per terabyte in the 1950s to around a thousand dollars per terabyte today.

Public spending, taxes & debt

One-off wealth taxes: what can we learn from history?

Over the last century, a number of countries have tried to introduce one-off wealth taxes or capital levies in response to major crises. Their varying degrees of success offer valuable lessons for policy-makers exploring such an option in the wake of the pandemic.

Nations, regions & cities

Football economics: are the lower league clubs getting left behind?

The Premier League dominates football headlines. But across the country, lower division clubs play a key role in their local communities as well as developing talent. While chasing the higher-level leagues can be costly, some clubs are establishing enterprising initiatives, including in education.

Nations, regions & cities

What’s happening in Bangladesh’s garment industry?

Bangladesh is well-known for its low-cost production of textiles and clothing, with much of the country’s recent development resting on rapid growth in the garment industry. But behind this progress is an unsustainable reliance on low pay and poor working conditions, particularly for women.

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