View Research by Author - Robert M. Solow

Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/RobertMSolow

Nobel Laureate Robert M. Solow, vice chairman of the Urban Institute Board of Trustees, sums up the Institute's 40 years of achievements by exploring the interaction between policy research and policy action. While social policy is sold as "leaps and bounds" research uncovers the true slow and incremental steps toward success. Yet research is indispensible for action because it weeds out bad ideas and gives policymakers objective evaluations. Solow concludes that it is in this complex but crucial interaction where the Institute's real work is done, citing several of the Institute's key accomplishments.

We know that earnings inequality in the U.S. has been increasing for the past 20 years. This report examines what we know about the underlying causes of this trend, including globalization and the increased importance of technological skills in the workplace. The authors offer policy suggestions to reverse this harmful trend.

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