Deadline: 11-Aug-2025
The Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) programme is inviting applications for its Small Research Grants to support research on systemic patterns and processes of structural transformation and growth in low- and middle-income countries. Projects may take a comparative approach across time or space, or explore more narrowly defined topics aligned with STEG’s research themes.
This call particularly welcomes proposals focused on the collection, harmonization, or curation of macro-relevant data. Proposals should clarify any restrictions on data availability due to privacy or ownership concerns. Research is also encouraged on the effects of artificial intelligence and advanced automation on labor markets and growth, especially in low-income countries, as long as the work is rooted in empirical evidence or theoretical modeling. Additionally, studies on gender and structural transformation—such as barriers to women’s workforce participation or the impact of restrictive norms—are of special interest. Projects that were interrupted due to aid cuts and need funding to be completed are also encouraged.
The research themes supported include: data and measurement; firms, industrial policy and spillovers; labor and household transformation; agricultural productivity and sectoral gaps; trade and spatial frictions; and the public sector. Cross-cutting issues relevant to all themes include gender, climate change, and inequality.
There are two main categories of grants. Small Research Grants (SRGs), ranging from £10,000 to £25,000, can be used for data collection, research assistance, and travel, including site visits and interactions with policymakers. PhD Research Grants (PhD RGs) provide up to £15,000 for PhD students to support research assistance, data purchase, and stipends. Stipends, capped at £12,000 for students in high-income countries (or the purchasing power equivalent elsewhere), must be justified and should enable time for research. Both grant types can fund travel and are expected to be completed within 12 months.
Applications are open globally and STEG encourages collaboration between researchers from different income-level countries. However, due to international sanctions, proposals including researchers based at Russian institutions cannot be accepted.
Principal investigators must hold or be pursuing a PhD, though in exceptional cases, applicants with strong research backgrounds may be considered. Co-investigators typically also have or are pursuing a PhD. The overall qualifications of the research team will influence proposal evaluation.
Proposals will be judged on research quality, policy relevance, feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and the contribution to advancing the field of structural transformation and economic development.
For more information, visit STEG.
