Where Does Growth Come From? Romer, R&D, and the Limits of Ideas
Economic growth has been a key area of study for Economists. Various models and theories have been developed to explain how and why economies flourish; notably, Adam Smith’s idea that growth arises from the division of labour. By simplifying multistage tasks into smaller, simple components, one can accomplish it quickly. Workers may also find faster or more efficient ways to complete their tasks, increase productivity, … Continue reading Where Does Growth Come From? Romer, R&D, and the Limits of Ideas
The US healthcare system: Why is it so flawed?
Whether you live in America or not, you have likely heard of the astronomical fees that the US healthcare system currently charges its users. In fact, the issue has gotten to a point where 23% of individuals who have required immediate healthcare refuse to call emergency services to avoid being charged for the $3500 it would cost to call advanced care without insurance. What has … Continue reading The US healthcare system: Why is it so flawed?
Universal Basic Income: a dream or realist solution?
What is Universal Basic Income? Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a form of economic policy where each citizen or resident of a state receives a regular, unconditional amount of money in order to cover basic living expenses. While this idea may initially bear some resemblance to welfare benefit systems present in many modern day developed economies, the key difference to note is that, in theory, … Continue reading Universal Basic Income: a dream or realist solution?
The Economics of Startups: Why so many fail despite massive investment
Introduction: Startups are a key part of the global economy. They capture imagination, innovation, and talent, as well as collecting vast amounts of capital from investors. However, most startups fail and don’t survive long enough to deliver lasting returns. In 2024 alone, $314 billion was invested globally into startups (according to data from Crunchbase), with over 50% of this activity coming from the United … Continue reading The Economics of Startups: Why so many fail despite massive investment
The Football Transfer Market as a Case Study in Market Inefficiency
Introduction: The global football transfer market is one of the most well-known and dynamic marketplaces in the world. However, it is also one of the most inefficient. In 2023, Fifa reported that global transfer spending reached a staggering $9.63 billion, with English clubs alone responsible for nearly half of that total. In terms of economic-based theory, players should be allocated to the clubs that value … Continue reading The Football Transfer Market as a Case Study in Market Inefficiency
Havaianas: A Symbol of Brazilian National Identity
Havaianas is a Brazilian flip-flop brand, owned by Alpargatas S.A. – a Brazilian textiles manufacturer. As most people will know, Havaianas manufacture the world’s most popular rubber soled sandal, which has been worn from sandy beaches to fashion show runways. What is particularly fascinating about Havaianas is the extent to which it embodies Brazilian national identity and a more carefree way of life that is … Continue reading Havaianas: A Symbol of Brazilian National Identity
Venezuela’s Economy
In recent years, Venezuela’s economy and living standards have taken a turn for the worse. It has faced record numbers of inflation, intense poverty and disparities of wealth, as well as plenty of corruption and protests. This may come as a surprise; Venezuela sits on the largest oil reserve in the world and has a plethora of rare ores such as gold and silver. How … Continue reading Venezuela’s Economy
The Economy of Brazil
“Promise and Paradox: Understanding Brazil’s Economic Highs and Lows” In 2011, Brazil was the world’s sixth-largest economy, surpassing the United Kingdom. Barely five years later, the country plunged into its worst recession in over a century, losing more than 7% of its GDP between 2015 and 2016. This stark contrast perfectly encapsulates the nature of Brazil’s economy: one with the potential to thrive through its … Continue reading The Economy of Brazil
Peru’s Invisible Workforce
Across the streets of Lima, informal vendors, unregistered taxi drivers and cash-based micro-businesses form a familiar part of everyday life. Their presence illustrates a wider pattern: 68-72% of Peru’s labour force operates outside the formal economy. The informal economy can be defined as a set of economic activities carried out by workers and productive units that do not comply with the regulations established by the … Continue reading Peru’s Invisible Workforce
The UK and Global Protectionism
How can the UK respond to global protectionism? The consequences of protectionism Since January of this year, $10 trillion [El Pais, 2025] has been wiped from the stock markets by the tariffs placed by the US, threatening to place the global economy in a negative feedback loop as trade restrictions heighten geopolitical tensions, triggering economic fallout among interdependent nations reliant on shared markets and industrial inputs, … Continue reading The UK and Global Protectionism
