Connecting Economists
We build capacity in academia, activism, policymaking and young economists for real-world impact
The Network
International Development Economics Associates (IDEAs) is a global network of progressive economists dedicated to researching, teaching, and disseminating critical analyses of economic policy and development. IDEAs’ members aim to strengthen and develop alternatives to the prevailing neoliberal economic paradigm. While based in the Global South and led by economists from developing countries, the network welcomes all who are committed to developing and utilizing alternative heterodox economic analysis tools for contemporary development challenges.
Background
IDEAs was established in September 2001, following a conference in Cape Town, South Africa, on ‘Rethinking Development Economics’ organised by the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) with the support of Ford Foundation. The first Executive Committee was chosen at that conference, with the mandate to establish and build the IDEAs network. Subsequently there have been some changes in the Executive Committee, with the approval of members.