Staying informed on economic trends, policies, and research is key to gaining valuable insights into the ever-changing global economy. Whether you're an economics student, educator, or enthusiast, exploring different viewpoints is essential. Economics bloggers and podcasters come in all forms—some are academics like Gregory Mankiw and Paul Krugman, while others are insightful thought leaders like John Cochrane and Tyler Cowen. Their expertise spans from real estate to public policy and macroeconomic trends.

Employability is a key concern for students, educators and employers in the UK. Indeed, many students want to see employability playing a bigger role in their courses. One way in which universities can foster graduate employability is through work-based learning (WBL) programmes, such as work placements.

Almost everyone has heard of Pokémon: it’s the highest-grossing media franchise in the world1. The core concept is also familiar to most people – in the Pokémon world, quasi-magical creatures live alongside people in idyllic, family-friendly harmony. 

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.