10 must-read economic stories of the week

Welcome to your weekly update on some the most interesting stories on economic growth and social inclusion. This week, we feature our brand new research on competitiveness.

1. Facts and figures. Capital flight from emerging markets remains a concern for the global economy.

Source: Financial Times

2. In 2011 the Nigerian government started a business plan competition in cooperation with the World Bank, giving out grants to the tune of $58 million to 1,200 entrepreneurs. Was this one of the most effective development programmes in history? (Quartz)

3. The inequality debate is too focused on income inequality, as opposed to wealth inequality, writes Erik Sherman. Why income inequality isn’t being solved. (Forbes)

4. What can we expect of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which a dozen countries signed on 5 October (although an approval from the U.S. Congress is still pending)? (Knowledge@Wharton)

5. Can we have economic growth and social insurance? Yes, writes Mark Thoma. (The Fiscal Times)

6. On October 1, Olivier Blanchard stepped down as the IMF’s Chief Economist. Here is a review of Blanchard’s time at the Fund. (The Washington Post)

7. “Mathiness” in economics – John Kay argues that economists should keep to the facts, not feelings. (Financial Times)

8. Europe is facing the challenge of integrating large amounts of refugees into their workforces. This article suggests some good practices from across the EU. (Harvard Business Review)

9. This week’s Special Report in the Economist sheds light on the role of the U.S. in the world economy as its ‘sticky superpower’. (The Economist)

10. In case you missed it. In the U.S., elites place a lower value on equality than the rest. (Slate)

Author: Jennifer Blanke is Chief Economist at the World Economic Forum

Image: A worker stands on a steel bar at the construction site of Kuningan City super block in Jakarta February 2, 2010. REUTERS/Beawiharta