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Motu, Excellence in Economic Research and the Challenge of 'Human Dimensions' Research

Author

Listed:
  • Suzi Kerr

    (Motu Economic & Public Policy Research Trust)

Abstract

Economics as a 'trade' does very well in New Zealand. Economists are taken relatively seriously in government policy processes. For better or worse, economic ideas were major drivers of the reforms in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Plenty of well-paid job opportunities exist in the private sector and in government. Large numbers of economics undergraduates mean that economics departments in Universities are not under threat. Economics as a science doesn't necessarily do so well. This article discusses some of the opportunities and challenges ahead in creating a vibrant economic research community in New Zealand that can usefully contribute to public policy. We bring particular attention to the challenges of producing good interdisciplinary work. Nearly all policy problems are multifaceted and cannot be understood using insights from one discipline alone. Motu is a non-profit research institute that has been set up specifically to address these challenges. At the end of the article we outline our vision of how we are becoming part of the solution and give some suggestions for how the government and researchers could facilitate our and others' efforts.

Suggested Citation

  • Suzi Kerr, 2003. "Motu, Excellence in Economic Research and the Challenge of 'Human Dimensions' Research," General Economics and Teaching 0309001, University Library of Munich, Germany.
  • Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwpgt:0309001
    Note: Type of Document - PDF; prepared on PC; to print on HP; pages: 10 ; figures: no
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    Cited by:

    1. Michelle Poland & David C Maré, 2005. "Defining Geographic Communities," Urban/Regional 0509016, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Grimes, Arthur, 2005. "Regional and industry cycles in Australasia: Implications for a common currency," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 16(3), pages 380-397, June.
    3. Arthur Grimes, 2006. "Intra & inter-regional industry shocks: A new metric with application to Australasian currency union," New Zealand Economic Papers, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(1), pages 23-44.
    4. David C Maré, 2005. "Indirect Effects of Active Labour Market Policies," HEW 0509004, University Library of Munich, Germany.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    economic research; public policy; New Zealand;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • A12 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines

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