Policy & the Economy
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January 21, 2022

It May Be Time to Reconsider That Noncompete Agreement

Federal regulators are cracking down on hiring practices that restrict employees’ wages and ability to work for competitors. Here’s what companies should know.

two people stand on a scatterplot grid
January 7, 2022

When a Bunch of Economists Look at the Same Data, Do They All See It the Same Way?

Not at all, according to a recent study, which showed just how much noise can be introduced by researchers’ unique analytical approaches.

aspects of the economy in mural form
December 8, 2021

Top Economic Concerns for 2022

Growth continues, but risks abound.

man holding sack of money over his head while other man is crushed by sack of money
December 1, 2021

Can Larger Loans Help Small Firms Grow?

Sometimes. But it turns out that lenders are bad at figuring out which businesses will benefit.

customers stand outside busy restaurant reading rating in window
November 2, 2021

The Health Department Gave Your Favorite Restaurant an 85. What on Earth Does That Mean?

Regulators should consider tweaking their scoring systems to make food-safety ratings more informative.

November 1, 2021

What Businesses Must Do to Curtail Climate Change

We need to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. This will require a new system of incentives.

Political advertisements on television next to polling place
November 1, 2021

How Much Do Campaign Ads Matter?

Tone is key, according to new research, which found that a change in TV ad strategy could have altered the results of the 2000 presidential election.

computer surrounded by chains and padlocks
October 4, 2021

How Companies Can Do Data Privacy Better

Not all efforts are costly, and being known for strong protections could give firms a competitive advantage.

coffee plantations on a hillside
September 1, 2021

In Some Markets, Competition Can Do More Harm Than Good

A study of the Rwandan coffee industry shows how informal contracts can break down as new competitors enter, resulting in higher costs and lower quality products.

people surround a town square distant from each otherz
August 12, 2021

Trust Usually Helps Communities Thrive. During a Pandemic, Not So Much.

Places with high levels of trust are worse at social distancing.

Man walking wearing suit on left side of body and shorts on right side.
August 11, 2021

COVID Has Accelerated These 4 Labor Market Trends

From greater flexibility to higher wages, the workplace is never going to look the same.

dollar signs stand on a road
August 6, 2021

Should Americans Be Worried about Inflation Right Now?

Three economists with opposing views weigh in.

man watches business report on television with bills on table
August 2, 2021

To Better Measure Economic Uncertainty, Look Beyond the Stock Market

Incorporating news sources, surveys, and even Twitter conversations can help give policymakers more nuanced data.

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July 13, 2021

The U.S. Economy Is Still Finding Its Footing. But States Are Doing Pretty Well.

Why California is thriving—and even Illinois is on the upswing.

globe as coronavirus
July 1, 2021

Measuring COVID’s Devastating Impact on Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Global surveys of more than 30,000 people revealed widespread drops in income, rising food insecurity, and an increase in domestic violence.

transformer robot comprised of healthcare elements including clinic, ambulance, and hospital.
June 21, 2021

How Did “Big Med” Get So Big—and So Expensive?

Two economists explain how the American healthcare system evolved into the behemoth it is today—and what can be done to lower costs and improve patient care.

nurse uses stethoscope on hospital building
June 2, 2021

Nursing Shortages Cause Real Harm to Patients. Policymakers Should Pay Attention.

During COVID, governments eased hiring restrictions. A Kellogg economist explains why the labor market should stay flexible.

Corporate directors with certain backgrounds and experiences exert greater influence over a company's strategic direction.
June 1, 2021

Laws Requiring Board Diversity Are Becoming More Common. Here’s What to Know.

“Companies want to be ahead of the curve on this.”

Donkey and elephant write on computers
June 1, 2021

Civil Servants Often Work for Administrations They Disagree with Politically. How Does This Affect Their Job Performance?

While the benefits of insulating career bureaucrats are clear, new research explores whether there are downsides, too.

US one dollar bill as puzzle with missing pieces
June 1, 2021

U.S. Firms Are Investing Heavily in Innovation, Yet Economic Productivity Has Slowed. Why?

The answer may lie in how pharmaceutical companies are targeting their R&D spending.

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The Insightful Leader

April 17, 2023  ·  17:43 minutes