Among the case studies on long-term growth policies undertaken by the Centre as part of its research programme on Human Capital and Growth, those on Egypt, India and Tanzania have been completed. A common characteristic shared by these countries is that they have all undergone (at various points in time) substantial economic reforms.

The studies first examine long-run trends in the sectoral allocation of skilled labour in connection with changes in the institutional setting of the economy. Particular emphasis is placed on comparing the structure of the returns to human capital and the sectoral breakdown of skilled labour, before and after the implementation of trade reforms.

Second, these patterns are examined in connection with changes in the structure of rents in the public sector, following, for instance, the privatisation of major state-owned enterprises. The studies provide information on regulations and various distortions that can create opportunities for rent seeking activities and explain the observed public-private sector allocation of skilled workers.

Another study examined, at the level of Indian states, the impact of various kinds of physical, social and economic infrastructure on the productivity and technical efficiency of various manufacturing industries.