Aim & Scope

The Journal of Economics, Policy and Development Studies aims to advance interdisciplinary research and scholarship that deepens the understanding of economic systems, policy mechanisms, and sustainable development strategies. The journal provides a dedicated platform for critical analysis and evidence-based studies that explore the interplay between economic theory, practical policymaking, and the multidimensional aspects of human and societal development.

The journal’s principal goal is to encourage and disseminate high-quality research that informs policy formulation, evaluates governance structures, and contributes to the design and implementation of development programs. By supporting both theoretical and applied contributions, the journal facilitates knowledge exchange among economists, public policy professionals, social scientists, development experts, and practitioners working at the intersection of economic planning and societal advancement.

Interdisciplinary Focus and Policy Relevance

The Journal of Economics, Policy and Development Studies recognizes that the formulation of sound economic policy and the pursuit of sustainable development are inherently interdisciplinary endeavors. The journal encourages research that draws on economics, development studies, sociology, political science, public administration, finance, environmental studies, and related disciplines. Contributions that examine how these fields intersect in real-world economic, social, or institutional contexts are particularly welcomed.

The scope of the journal includes a wide spectrum of topics such as macroeconomic modeling, fiscal policy, trade and globalization, labor market dynamics, poverty and inequality, environmental and resource economics, financial systems, rural development, infrastructure planning, education and health policy, social protection, institutional development, and good governance. Studies that explore the local implementation of national policies, the impact of regional trade arrangements, or the effectiveness of international development programs also fall within the journal’s area of interest.

This wide-ranging focus ensures that the journal can accommodate a diverse array of research contributions, each with the potential to inform policy development, contribute to theoretical debates, or provide insights into development processes at various levels of governance.

Global Reach and Regional Diversity

While the journal encourages globally relevant scholarship, it also emphasizes the value of regional and local perspectives. The Journal of Economics, Policy and Development Studies invites research that reflects diverse socioeconomic realities, institutional settings, and development experiences from across the world. The journal supports comparative studies that highlight similarities or differences across countries, regions, or income groups, as well as case studies that examine targeted interventions in specific communities or sectors.

Submissions from researchers working in developing, emerging, and transition economies are especially encouraged, as the journal seeks to amplify voices and research from underrepresented contexts. The journal welcomes regional analyses that explore country-specific development paths, local governance frameworks, rural transformation, or the role of informal institutions in economic decision-making.

By valuing regional specificity alongside global applicability, the journal ensures that published research remains both contextually grounded and broadly informative.

Types of Research and Methodological Approaches

The journal publishes original research articles, reviews, theoretical studies, case-based analyses, and policy-focused submissions that address key questions in economics, policy, and development. Manuscripts may employ quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches, provided that the research question is clearly articulated and the methodology is appropriate to the objectives of the study.

Quantitative papers may include econometric modeling, data-driven policy analysis, macroeconomic forecasting, impact assessments, and financial modeling. Qualitative and mixed-method studies may explore institutional dynamics, participatory policy frameworks, community-level responses to policy change, or stakeholder perspectives on development initiatives. The journal values methodological clarity, transparency, and relevance across all submissions.

Authors are encouraged to demonstrate how their research contributes to ongoing debates or fills a knowledge gap, and to clearly outline the implications of their findings for policy, theory, or practice. Where applicable, manuscripts should include a section on policy recommendations, with a focus on feasibility, implementation, and expected outcomes.

Key Themes and Areas of Interest

The Journal of Economics, Policy and Development Studies covers a wide range of subject areas that align with its interdisciplinary focus. Core themes include, but are not limited to:

  • National and regional economic development strategies
  • Fiscal policy, taxation, and public expenditure
  • Trade policy, globalization, and international economic cooperation
  • Labor economics, workforce development, and employment policy
  • Poverty measurement, social mobility, and inequality
  • Environmental economics, climate policy, and sustainability
  • Financial inclusion, banking systems, and monetary policy
  • Education economics and human capital investment
  • Health policy, healthcare financing, and access to services
  • Public sector reforms, decentralization, and governance innovation
  • Gender and development, equity in policy design, and inclusive growth
  • Rural development, agricultural economics, and land-use policy
  • Infrastructure, transportation systems, and urban economics
  • Institutional development, regulatory frameworks, and administrative efficiency
  • Post-crisis economic recovery and resilience strategies
  • Global development goals, aid effectiveness, and donor strategies

These themes reflect the journal’s commitment to research that is grounded in current economic realities, informed by theoretical rigor, and directed toward solving pressing policy and development challenges.

Policy Dialogue and Academic Engagement

The journal aims to promote an inclusive academic environment that supports knowledge-sharing between researchers, policymakers, and development professionals. It welcomes collaborative and co-authored submissions that integrate academic research with policy practice or stakeholder engagement. Submissions that reflect cross-sectoral partnerships or multi-disciplinary collaborations are especially valued.

The Journal of Economics, Policy and Development Studies also encourages academic discussions on pressing policy questions, emerging economic trends, and contested development strategies. Authors are invited to explore issues such as digital transformation in economic systems, political economy of reforms, global health financing, or the long-term effects of financial crises on human development indicators.

By publishing work that contributes to scholarly exchange and public policy discussion, the journal seeks to serve as a bridge between research communities and decision-making institutions.

Scope for Innovation and Special Themes

To remain responsive to evolving global priorities, the journal periodically features special issues and thematic calls for papers on topics of significant policy relevance. These may include post-pandemic recovery, sustainable finance, migration economics, inclusive technology, regional integration, or multilateral development frameworks.

Through this adaptive scope, the Journal of Economics, Policy and Development Studies ensures that emerging topics, novel approaches, and new empirical data can be accommodated within its publication stream. Authors interested in contributing to special issues or proposing guest-edited sections are invited to contact the editorial team for further details.

Commitment to Accessibility and Scholarly Quality

All articles published in the journal are freely available through open access, ensuring that researchers, students, and practitioners worldwide can engage with the latest findings without barriers. This supports knowledge dissemination, encourages citation, and enhances the visibility and reach of each author’s work.

The journal follows a rigorous peer-review process to maintain academic quality and research integrity. Manuscripts are reviewed by experts in the relevant fields, and editorial decisions are based on merit, clarity, methodological strength, and relevance to the journal’s scope.

In line with ethical standards, the journal expects all submissions to be original, properly cited, and free from plagiarism or data manipulation. Research involving human participants or policy evaluations must be conducted with transparency, appropriate approvals, and informed consent where applicable.