Imagine this: you're trying to solve a complex puzzle where every piece represents a different facet of economic performance. Now, imagine that the shape of some of these pieces are influenced by the quality of the institutions in place—things like governance, legal frameworks, and anti-corruption measures. As it turns out, the fit of these pieces can make or break the overall picture of economic growth. Institutions, in this sense, are not just background players; they are fundamental to how the economic puzzle comes together.