Migrants in the Global Economy: Holding us back or pushing us forward?

»Policies surrounding immigration continues to be a heated debate across the world. Yet, often these debates miss the role migrants play in connecting the global economy and fostering economic growth,« explains Professor Bahar.

This lecture will discuss the role of immigrants in fostering innovation and the diffusion of knowledge across borders, which are key determinants of productivity growth and economic growth. The lecture will also discuss policy implications for countries in an era of increased migration. 

Dany Bahar is a Senior Research Fellow at Harvard’s Growth Lab. He has been associated with Harvard since 2010, initially as a Pre-Doctoral Fellow and later as an Associate until 2021. He is also an Associate Professor of Practice of International and Public Affairs at Brown University’s Watson Institute and a Faculty Affiliate of Brown University’s Economics Department. Additionally, he is affiliated with various institutions such as the Brookings Institution, the Center for Global Development, CESifo Group Munich, and the IZA Institute of Labor Economics. Bahar’s research focuses on international economics, economic development, and policy issues such as trade, migration, and globalization. He has published in top economic journals and contributes to leading media outlets. He has also worked and consulted for organizations like the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. Bahar holds degrees from Universidad Metropolitana, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard University.