What do economists do?
Since the start of the current recession, the information that I’m an economist usually leads people to ask what I think of the economic situation. As my friends and acquaintances know, it’s not hard to get me to voice an opinion but after a few remarks, I generally say that this isn’t an area of much professional interest to me – a statement greeted with some surprise. “Well, what do you do then?”
I work in the general area of… Continue reading
Back in the office
I’m now back from a hectic and interesting trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I was fortunate enough to have the Embassy make introductions for me to a number of government ministries and agencies so I was able to meet a cross-section of interesting people actively engaged in the social development of the UAE. They had a number of concerns that are really interesting to me: limited availability of data to make good policy decisions; designing policy to protect vulnerable… Continue reading
On the move
I’m starting my blog with a short post from the plane carrying me on a trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi but not, as you may think, to sun myself on the beach or even to watch the cricket. The UAE are actively developing their social sector activities and I’m going to see what they are doing. I’m also planning to visit the ArabHealth Conference in Dubai which is one of the biggest showcases for health suppliers. So there will… Continue reading