"In many developing and middle-income countries, decentralization reforms are promoting changes in governance structures that are reshaping the relationship between local governments and citizens. The success of these decentralization reforms depends on the existence of sound public financial...

"Previous work has shown that firms in low and middle-income countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia that feel greater pressure to innovate from their competitors are more likely to introduce new products and services than firms that do not feel pressure (Carlin and others 2001; World Bank...

Some observers have questioned the rationale for continued engagement by international development institutions in middle-income countries. But these countries face development challenges calling for continued partnership with the international development community. Moreover, partnership with...

In Asia inequality in income between countries is more important than inequality within countries. In Africa, Latin America, and western Europe and North America, by contrast, there are only small differences between countries; inequality within countries is more important. And when countries...

The poor in most parts of the world may have electricity (especially in urban areas), but they rarely have water, sewer, and telephone services. When they gain access to local services, however, many do decide to connect