Economics

Tomorrows Business Leaders

The TANGO Research Institute’s Economics practice delivers rigorous, evidence-based analysis that shapes policy decisions affecting billions of people worldwide. Our economists combine cutting-edge research methods with deep understanding of real-world constraints to provide actionable insights on the most pressing economic challenges facing governments and corporations.

From macroeconomic forecasting and fiscal policy design to labor market reforms and development strategies, our work spans the full spectrum of economic policy. We don’t just publish academic papers—we partner with decision-makers to implement solutions that drive sustainable growth, reduce poverty, and promote shared prosperity.

Take your next big step with us

Our multidisciplinary approach integrates insights from law, finance, and management to deliver comprehensive solutions. Whether you’re designing a national development strategy, reforming tax policy, navigating trade disruptions, or assessing investment opportunities—TANGO provides the analytical rigor and implementation expertise you need.

With projects in several countries and measurable impact, TANGO’s Economics practice is trusted by finance ministries, central banks, international organizations, and Fortune companies worldwide.

Our Economics practice stands apart through our commitment to rigorous methodology, policy relevance, and measurable impact. We employ state-of-the-art econometric techniques, computable general equilibrium models, and machine learning approaches—but we never lose sight of the real-world policy questions driving our research.

Every analysis is grounded in deep institutional knowledge and informed by extensive stakeholder consultation. We understand that effective economic policy must navigate political constraints, administrative capacity, and social considerations. Our recommendations are not just theoretically sound—they’re implementable.

Our track record speaks for itself: 85% of our recommendations are adopted within 18 months, and our policy reforms have generated  in measurable economic impact across agriculture, trade, financial markets, and industrial development.

  • Rigorous Methodology – We employ cutting-edge econometric techniques, CGE modeling, and causal inference methods that meet the highest academic standards

  •  Policy-Relevant Research – Every project addresses real-world policy questions with actionable recommendations tailored to your institutional context

  •  Implementation Support – We don’t disappear after delivering a report—our economists work alongside your team to implement reforms and adjust as needed

  •  Measurable Impact – We establish clear metrics and track outcomes:  economic impact, many  countries, 85% recommendation adoption rate

  • Multidisciplinary Integration – Our economists collaborate with lawyers, financial analysts, and management experts to deliver comprehensive solutions

Whether you’re a finance minister designing fiscal reforms, a central bank governor navigating inflation challenges, a development agency planning poverty reduction strategies, or a corporate executive assessing market opportunities—TANGO Economics provides the analysis and advisory support you need to make informed decisions with confidence.

Comprehensive Economic Research Across Critical Domains

TANGO’s Economics practice covers the full spectrum of economic policy challenges facing governments and businesses in the 21st century. Our research portfolio spans eight core domains, each led by world-class economists with deep expertise and extensive policy experience.

Our research is characterized by methodological rigor, policy relevance, and commitment to measurable impact. We publish in top academic journals while maintaining strong connections to policy-making communities worldwide.

From macroeconomic stabilization and growth strategies to labor market reforms and agricultural development, our work addresses the most pressing economic challenges of our time. We combine theoretical insights with empirical analysis and real-world implementation experience to deliver solutions that work.

Below are our eight core research domains. Each area features dedicated research teams, ongoing projects with governments and international organizations, and regular publication of policy briefs, working papers, and peer-reviewed articles.

Build Your Future With TANGO Economics Research That Shapes Policy

Our research agenda is driven by the real-world challenges facing policymakers and business leaders. We maintain active partnerships with 40+ governments, major international organizations (World Bank, IMF, OECD, regional development banks), and leading corporations across sectors.

This close connection to policy communities ensures our research addresses the questions that matter most—and that our findings reach decision-makers when they need them. Our economists regularly testify before legislative bodies, advise cabinet ministers, brief central bank governors, and present at major international forums.

Research Domain Key Focus Areas Recent Projects Impact
Macroeconomic Policy Fiscal policy, monetary policy,
inflation targeting,
exchange rate regimes,
debt sustainability
Advised  central banks on inflation
targeting frameworks; fiscal reform strategies
for several governments
Impact and dynamic work flow
Development Economics Poverty reduction,
inclusive growth,
social protection,
rural development,
infrastructure investment
National development strategies for 6 countries;
poverty reduction programs reaching Many people
improved fiscal outcomes
Labor Economics Employment policy,
wage dynamics,
skills development,
labor market regulation,migration
Labor market reforms in countries;
skills training programs for 180 +  workers
average poverty reduction
Trade Economics Trade policy,
FTA analysis, tariff optimization,
export development, trade facilitation
Trade negotiations for 12 governments;
export strategies increasing trade by 28% average
employment increase
Agricultural Economics Agricultural policy, food security,
rural development, climate adaptation,
subsidy reform
Agricultural reforms benefiting
farmers across  countries
trade flows analyzed
Environmental Economics Climate policy, carbon pricing,
natural resource management,
green transition, sustainability
Carbon pricing mechanisms for jurisdictions;
fisheries management restoring stocks
agricultural GDP increase
Industrial Economics Industrial policy, competition policy,
innovation systems, supply chain resilience,
sector strategies
Supply chain diversification for governments;
industrial strategies for 6 sectors
manufacturing investment
Public Economics Tax policy, public expenditure,
fiscal federalism, public service delivery,
governance
Tax reforms in 11 countries;
public expenditure reviews
improving efficiency 32%
revenue optimization

Latest Research & Policy Analysis

TANGO economists publish extensively in top academic journals, policy outlets, and specialized publications. Our research combines theoretical rigor with empirical evidence and policy relevance. Below are recent highlights from our Economics practice—representing the breadth and depth of our analytical capabilities.

All publications are available for download. We also offer customized briefings, technical workshops, and implementation support for governments and organizations interested in applying our research findings.

Our publication portfolio includes peer-reviewed journal articles, policy briefs, working papers, technical reports, and data visualizations. We prioritize accessibility—translating complex economic analysis into clear, actionable insights for policymakers, business leaders, and informed citizens.

As global interest rates rise and capital flows reverse, emerging market economies face renewed macroeconomic pressures. This brief analyzes stabilization strategies across 25 countries, identifying which policy combinations successfully control inflation while minimizing growth costs. We find that credible fiscal consolidation paired with flexible exchange rates delivers superior outcomes compared to rigid currency pegs or capital controls.

Key Findings:

  • Countries with independent central banks achieved 2.3 percentage points lower inflation with 0.8 percentage points higher growth
  • Fiscal consolidation focused on expenditure efficiency outperformed tax increases by 40%
  • Exchange rate flexibility reduced external adjustment costs by 60%
  • Clear communication strategies enhanced policy credibility and reduced market volatility

Policy Implications:
Finance ministries should prioritize fiscal sustainability through expenditure reforms rather than tax increases. Central banks benefit from operational independence and transparent inflation targeting frameworks. Exchange rate flexibility should be embraced as a shock absorber rather than resisted through reserve depletion.

.

Artificial intelligence and automation are transforming labor markets worldwide. This comprehensive report examines employment transitions across 18 countries, analyzing which workers face displacement risks, which sectors are creating new opportunities, and which policies effectively support workforce adaptation. Based on analysis of 12 million worker transitions over five years.

Key Findings:

  • 23% of current jobs face high automation risk within 10 years, but job creation in new sectors could offset 65% of displacement
  • Workers with strong foundational skills (literacy, numeracy, digital basics) transition successfully 3.2x more often than those without
  • Active labor market policies (training, job search assistance, wage insurance) increase successful transitions by 45%
  • Geographic mobility barriers (housing costs, occupational licensing) significantly impede adjustment

Policy Implications:
Governments should invest in foundational skills and lifelong learning systems rather than attempting to preserve declining industries. Active labor market policies deliver strong returns but must be adequately funded and well-designed. Reducing barriers to geographic and occupational mobility enhances labor market dynamism.

.

Global food security faces mounting pressures from climate change, conflict, and supply chain disruptions. This paper analyzes agricultural policies across 30 countries over 15 years, identifying which interventions successfully boost productivity, improve farmer incomes, and enhance resilience. We employ causal inference methods to isolate policy effects from confounding factors.

Key Findings:

  • Outcome-based subsidies (tied to productivity or sustainability metrics) deliver 2.8x better results than input subsidies
  • Investment in agricultural extension services and market infrastructure generates 4:1 benefit-cost ratios
  • Secure land tenure increases productivity 18% and encourages long-term investment in soil health
  • Climate-smart agriculture practices (precision irrigation, drought-resistant varieties) reduce vulnerability 40%

Policy Implications:
Shift agricultural support from input subsidies to outcome-based incentives and public goods (research, extension, infrastructure). Strengthen land tenure security, especially for smallholders and women farmers. Integrate climate adaptation into all agricultural programs.

.

As more jurisdictions implement carbon pricing, concerns about industrial competitiveness and carbon leakage intensify. This brief analyzes outcomes from 15 carbon pricing systems (taxes and cap-and-trade), examining impacts on emissions, industrial output, employment, and trade flows. We find that well-designed systems reduce emissions without significant competitiveness costs.

Key Findings:

  • Carbon pricing reduced emissions 12-28% across jurisdictions with minimal impact on industrial output (average -0.3%)
  • Border carbon adjustments effectively prevent leakage in trade-exposed sectors
  • Revenue recycling through corporate tax cuts or innovation subsidies maintains competitiveness
  • Gradual phase-in with clear long-term price signals allows industry to adapt efficiently

Policy Implications:
Carbon pricing can achieve significant emissions reductions without undermining industrial competitiveness if designed properly. Key elements include gradual implementation, revenue recycling, border adjustments for trade-exposed sectors, and complementary policies supporting clean technology adoption.

Tax systems shape economic growth, income distribution, and government capacity. This paper evaluates tax reforms in 20 countries over the past decade, identifying which approaches successfully raise revenue, promote equity, and minimize economic distortions. We employ microsimulation models and general equilibrium analysis to assess reform impacts.

Key Findings:

  • Broadening tax bases (reducing exemptions and loopholes) generates more revenue with less distortion than rate increases
  • Progressive consumption taxes (VAT with rebates for low-income households) can be both efficient and equitable
  • Property taxes remain underutilized despite strong efficiency and equity properties
  • Digital economy taxation requires international coordination to prevent base erosion

Policy Implications:
Tax reform should prioritize base broadening over rate increases. Strengthen property taxation and reduce reliance on distortionary taxes (corporate income, payroll). Address digital economy challenges through multilateral frameworks. Use tax-benefit systems to achieve equity goals rather than narrow tax exemptions.

These publications represent just a sample of TANGO’s economic research portfolio. We publish 150+ research outputs annually, covering the full spectrum of economic policy challenges. All publications are available in our research library, and we offer customized briefings for governments and organizations.

Industry Leading Skills

TANGO’s Economics practice brings together 60+ economists with deep expertise across all major domains of economic policy. Our team includes former government officials, central bank economists, World Bank specialists, and leading academic researchers. What unites us is commitment to rigorous analysis, policy relevance, and measurable impact.

Our economists hold PhDs from the world’s top universities and have published extensively in leading journals. But we’re not ivory tower academics—we’ve designed fiscal reforms, advised trade negotiations, restructured central banks, and implemented development programs in dozens of countries.

Our economists work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with lawyers, financial analysts, and management experts to deliver comprehensive solutions. This integrated approach ensures our economic analysis accounts for legal constraints, financial market realities, and implementation challenges.

We maintain active partnerships with governments, international organizations, and corporations worldwide. Our economists regularly testify before legislative bodies, advise cabinet ministers, brief central bank governors, and present at major international forums including the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings, World Economic Forum, and gatherings.

Partner With Leading Economists

When you work with TANGO Economics, you gain access to world-class analytical capabilities and deep policy expertise. Our economists have advised 40+ governments, supported trade negotiations covering $2.1 trillion in flows, designed agricultural reforms benefiting 2.3 million farmers, and helped attract $34 billion in foreign investment through policy improvements.

We don’t just deliver reports—we partner with you throughout the policy process, from initial analysis through implementation and evaluation. Our economists work alongside your team, building local capacity and ensuring reforms succeed.

Whether you’re facing a macroeconomic crisis, designing a national development strategy, reforming your tax system, or navigating trade disruptions—TANGO provides the analytical rigor and implementation support you need.

Our commitment to independence, rigor, and impact has made TANGO Economics a trusted partner to governments, international organizations, and corporations worldwide. We follow the evidence wherever it leads, maintain strict nonpartisan independence, and measure success by real-world outcomes.

COURSE TUTORS

EMERSON BURNS
EMERSON BURNSDirector, Agricultural Economics
8 years experience in agricultural policy and rural development. Former senior economist at FAO. Led agricultural reforms benefiting farmers across 8 countries. PhD Agricultural Economics, UC Davis. Specializes in food security, climate adaptation, and subsidy reform.
DR. ROBERT ASHFORD
DR. ROBERT ASHFORDChief Research Officer
Leading scholar in international trade and development economics. Former advisor to African Union and WTO. PhD Economics. Published articles in top journals. Expert in trade policy, regional integration, and industrial development.
PROF. CATHERINE MBEKI
PROF. CATHERINE MBEKIPresident & Chief Economist
Former Chief Economist at the World Bank with 5+ years advising governments on macroeconomic policy, fiscal reform, and development strategy. PhD Economics, MIT. Author of many books and 10+ peer-reviewed articles. Specializes in macroeconomic stabilization, fiscal policy, and development economics.

Joining Over 200 research topics and articles now

Become Part of LATEST RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS to Further Your projects .

Go to Top