Research for a stronger, more inclusive tomorrow
Public Policy Foundation examines India's economic and social challenges through rigorous research, evidence-based analysis and practical policy recommendations.
Read our latest publication →Our publications
Poor Citizens
India is the fifth-largest economy, yet 143rd in income per person. Forty-three chapters and 353 sourced charts on what growth built and what it left behind.
Read the book →
More reports and publications will be added here as they are released.
Our work focuses on two interconnected pillars of development: Economic Development and Social Development. Through research, data analysis and policy publications, we aim to generate insights that support inclusive growth, expand opportunities, and strengthen the foundations of a prosperous and equitable society.
Better policy starts with credible evidence
Public Policy Foundation is founded on the belief that sound public policy must be informed by credible research, reliable evidence, and a clear understanding of real-world challenges.
Economic progress and social well-being are deeply interconnected. Sustainable economic growth requires productive employment, strong institutions, and broad-based opportunities, while social development depends on access to education, healthcare, essential services, and meaningful participation in economic and civic life.
We examine these relationships to understand policy challenges, evaluate potential solutions, and contribute to constructive discussions on India's development priorities. Our approach seeks to bridge the gap between research, policymaking, and implementation.
To undertake and disseminate rigorous policy research that generates actionable insights, informs public decision-making, and contributes to inclusive, sustainable, and equitable development.
A prosperous, inclusive, and equitable society in which public policies are informed by evidence, institutions work effectively, and development opportunities are accessible to all.
Two pillars of development
Economic Development
We study the policies, institutions, and economic conditions that influence growth, productivity, employment, investment, and economic opportunity.
- → Economic growth and macroeconomic policy
- → Employment, labour markets, and livelihoods
- → Industrial development, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship
- → Trade, investment, and business competitiveness
- → Agriculture and rural development
- → Infrastructure and urban development
- → Public finance, taxation, and government expenditure
- → Small businesses, enterprise development, and economic inclusion
Our objective is to contribute to a better understanding of the factors that drive economic progress and the policies that can make growth more productive, resilient, and inclusive.
Social Development
We examine the policies and public systems that shape human development, social well-being, equality of opportunity, and quality of life.
- → Education and skill development
- → Public health and nutrition
- → Poverty, inequality, and social protection
- → Gender equality and women's empowerment
- → Child development and youth welfare
- → Housing, sanitation, and access to essential services
- → Social inclusion and vulnerable communities
- → Human development and quality of life
Our objective is to generate insights that can help improve access to essential services, address persistent development gaps, and strengthen the social foundations of long-term prosperity.
How we work
Evidence-Based Research
We emphasise systematic inquiry, reliable data, relevant literature, and analytical rigour to understand policy issues and assess possible solutions.
Policy-Relevant Analysis
We focus on research questions that matter to policymakers, institutions, development practitioners, researchers, and the wider public.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives
We recognise that complex development challenges often span economics, governance, public administration, social sciences, and institutional design.
Practical Recommendations
We seek to translate research findings into clear, relevant insights that can inform policy formulation, programme design, implementation, and evaluation.
Transparency and Intellectual Integrity
We value clarity in methodology, responsible interpretation of evidence, and the distinction between established findings, analytical judgments, and policy recommendations.
Research, published
Public Policy Foundation undertakes and publishes research designed to improve understanding of public policy and development issues. Our work may include:
Better policy begins with better understanding
By examining evidence, questioning assumptions, and exploring practical alternatives, Public Policy Foundation seeks to contribute to a more informed and constructive public policy discourse.
Our work is guided by the conviction that economic progress and social development should reinforce one another, creating opportunities for individuals, strengthening institutions, and supporting long-term societal well-being.
Public Policy Foundation welcomes engagement with researchers, academics, policymakers, public institutions, civil society organisations, and others interested in evidence-based approaches to development.
Through research and knowledge sharing, we aim to contribute to meaningful policy discussions and a stronger understanding of the choices that shape our collective future.
Read the book: Rich Country, Poor Citizens →