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How randomized control trials can make the world a better place

What programs and initiatives actually make a difference for integration, education and health? How do we know what works so we can put our effort and money where they are the most effective? That’s what Associate Professor Martina Björkman Nyqvist’s research is all about. Hear more about it in the latest episode of Sound Economy.

Martina Björkman Nyqvist is an Associate Professor in Economics and the Executive Director of Mistra Center for Sustainable Markets (MISUM) at the Stockholm School of Economics. The main motivation behind her work is to find ways to make the world a better place and make a difference for people living in poverty or exclusion. Her research aims to ensure that government and non-governmental social programs are based on scientific evidence.

Her research in development economics, health economics, public service delivery, and economics of education has brought her to India, Uganda, Nigeria, Tanzania and Lesotho to study and evaluate health and education programs.

Buddy Sweden

In Sweden she and colleague Abhijeet Singh are studying social inclusion and integration, focusing on new immigrants to Sweden. The research project, which followed a program founded and implemented by the organization Kompis Sverige (Buddy Sweden), is also among the first of its kind in Sweden to use randomized controlled trials – the evaluation methodology used in the research that was awarded Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences 2019.

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SSE Dept. of Economics Misum