The IZA – Institute of Labor Economics (IZA) and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) run the joint IZA/DFID Growth and Labour Markets in Low Income Countries Programme (GLM|LIC programme), which aims to improve worldwide knowledge on labour market issues in low-income countries (LICs) and provide a solid basis for capacity building and development of future labour market policies.
More than 169 research proposals from researchers around the globe had been submitted; among which, 31 grants have been awarded for research activities of institutions across the world, with a substantial proportion of funds routed to research activities in institutions in LICs.
The GLM|LIC programme has already taken significant steps to close an important research gap on labour markets and growth in LICs. The programme has already contributed to the growing interest in understanding labour markets in the poorest countries by producing high-quality research outputs and policy documents, as well as through interactions with various stakeholders and impacts on programs and policies.
In addition to funding research projects, the GLM|LIC programme plays a more active role in capacity development and fostering research activities: the GLM|LIC programme consistently holds short courses for participants from LICs, conferences and workshops to encourage collaborations between researchers and various stakeholders.
Events held and sponsored by the GLM|LIC programme provide a platform for researchers all over the world to share research outputs and exchange ideas as well as a channel for each project within the GLM|LIC programme to gain more attention among the academic community and more influence in policy-making.
GLM|LIC benefits significantly from the close relationships between the programme and numerous partners from governments, foundations, academic institutions, and NGOs to private organizations.