Journal of Economic Literature
Book Reviews
2026-08-28
Eric Werker of Harvard University reviews “Transforming the Development Landscape: The Role of the Private Sector” by Lael Brainard,. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins “Nine papers, originally presented at a conference held at the Aspen Institute in August 2005, provide an in-depth analysis of the role of the private sector in development. Discusses the private sector in the fight against global poverty (Lael Brainard and Vinca LaFleur); unleashing entrepreneurship (Warrick Smith); leveraging the development impact of business in the fight against global poverty (Jane Nelson); blended value investment and a living return (Timothy Freundlich); whether governments and aid agencies should subsidize small firms (Ross Levine); venture capital for development (Alan J. Patricof and Julie E. Sunderland); innovative financing options and the fight against global poverty--what's new and what's next (David de Ferranti); a pragmatic view of partnerships between official donors and multinational corporations (Larry Cooley); and financing for global health (Rajiv Shah and Sylvia Mathews). Brainard is Vice President and Director of the Global Economy and Development Program, and Bernard E. Schwartz Chair in International Economics, at the Brookings Institution. Index.”