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Economic Policy

Mercatus Center research seeks to understand the consequences – both intended and unintended – of economic policy decisions and improve the state of knowledge to which these decisions refer, thereby fostering solutions that promote a freer, more prosperous, and civil society. Research focus includes: corporate law, the drivers of economic progress, factors that affect local economic conditions, urban development and renewal, and banking and finance.

 

Recent Publications

State Power, Entrepreneurship, and Coffee: The Rwandan Experience Karol Boudreaux October 31, 2007 In the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the new government lifted tight controls on the coffee market.  As a result of increasing income and new opportunities for entrepreneurship, Rwandans are better able to care for themselves and their families.

Mauritius: Where They Don’t Kill the Geese that Lay the Golden Eggs Eustace Davie May 6, 2007 Although condemned to a bleak future in 1961 by Nobel Prize-winning economist James Meade, Mauritius has transformed its stagnant, undeversified agricultural economy into a growing mnufacturing and export hub.  In the process, this small Island-nation has become a model for African governments interested in promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth in their own countries.

Good business tips could come from Mauritius Jasson Urbach December 4, 2006 According to the latest Economic Freedom of the World report, [South Africa] slid dramatically down the rankings from 37th to 53rd. The index measures the degree to which the policies and institutions of countries are supportive of economic freedom.

Kombi Taxis: Stepchildren of the SA Passenger Transport Industry Eustace Davie September 28, 2006 Are there signs that South Africa's democratically elected government is remedying the previous government’s neglect of the Taxi industry? Has the infrastructure been improved to accommodate taxi passengers, reduce accidents and minimise traffic fatalities? Unfortunately, there are no signs of such activities. All the blame for all the problems is heaped on the unfortunate kombi taxis – the stepchildren of the passenger transport industry. In the interests of taxi commuters and all road users it is time for that to change.