Episodes

  • Episode 51 The “So What?” of Employee Surveys: Turning Data into Action

    Episode 51 The “So What?” of Employee Surveys: Turning Data into Action
    Sep 28 2026
    Survey participation jumped from 37% to 69% when employees saw that their feedback could lead to real change. But collecting survey data is only the first step. This episode explores how governments can turn public servant surveys into action through better benchmarking, tailored reporting, stronger accountability, and leadership. It also looks at why survey design matters—and how feedback can become a practical tool for building a more responsive and effective public sector. Generated with AI using wondercraft.ai and guided by our experts. Read more at https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/government-analytics
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    10 mins
  • Episode 50 How Can Resource-Rich Countries Turn Windfalls into Resilience?

    Episode 50 How Can Resource-Rich Countries Turn Windfalls into Resilience?
    Sep 21 2026
    Around two-thirds of emerging market and developing economies—and about 90% of low-income countries—depend substantially on commodity exports. This episode explores how resource-rich countries can reduce boom-and-bust cycles, manage windfalls, strengthen fiscal institutions, and invest temporary revenues in lasting growth. It also looks at how the energy transition could reshape risks and opportunities for fossil-fuel and mineral exporters. Generated with AI using wondercraft.ai and guided by our experts. Read more at https://www.worldbank.org/en/research/publication/fiscal-policy-in-commodity-exporters
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    9 mins
  • Episode 49 Administrative Data: The Government’s Hidden Asset

    Episode 49 Administrative Data: The Government’s Hidden Asset
    Sep 14 2026

    40% of Brazil’s federal civil servants were projected to retire by 2030, while tax auditors with similar experience showed a five-fold difference in gross pay.

    This episode explores how governments can use administrative data they already collect—from payroll and procurement to service-delivery records—to uncover inefficiencies, improve planning, and measure performance more accurately. It also examines why reliable insights depend on strong, consistent data systems.

    Generated with AI using wondercraft.ai and guided by our experts.

    Read more at https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/government-analytics
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    9 mins
  • Episode 48 Raise Revenue Better: What Makes a Tax System Actually Work?

    Episode 48 Raise Revenue Better: What Makes a Tax System Actually Work?
    Aug 31 2026

    💰 Ghana doubled property-tax collections with digital tools, Ethiopia increased VAT revenue by almost 50%, and Sierra Leone raised tax payments by 20% by showing taxpayers what local services their taxes supported.

    This episode explores *Raising Revenue Right: A Roadmap for Domestic Resource Mobilization* and asks what makes tax systems work better. Through examples from Mexico, Ghana, Ethiopia, Argentina, and Sierra Leone, we examine how better diagnosis, technology, transparency, and trust can help governments raise revenue more efficiently, fairly, and sustainably.

    Generated with AI using wondercraft.ai and guided by our experts.

    Read more at https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/raising-revenue-right
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    10 mins
  • Episode 47 The Foundations: Are Governments Measuring What Matters?

    Episode 47 The Foundations: Are Governments Measuring What Matters?
    Aug 16 2026

    Nearly 70% of the indicators used to assess public financial management reforms in Malawi measured changes in form—not whether the system actually worked. This episode, the second on the series from The Government Analytics Handbook, explores how misleading metrics can create an illusion of success and even harmful incentives. Learn how balanced data, qualitative evidence, leadership, and strong review routines can help governments turn analytics into better decisions and meaningful action. Generated with AI using wondercraft.ai and guided by our experts. Read more at https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/government-analytics
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    11 mins
  • Episode 46 The Overview: Unlocking the Data Governments Already Have

    Episode 46 The Overview: Unlocking the Data Governments Already Have
    Aug 15 2026
    $10 billion in annual savings. A potential 40% increase in tax revenue. A 32% greater chance of completing public projects. This episode explores how governments can unlock these gains by using the administrative data they already collect. Drawing on *The Government Analytics Handbook*, it examines how analytics can improve management, strengthen public services, identify fiscal risks, and turn existing records into better decisions. Generated with AI using wondercraft.ai and guided by our experts. Read more at https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/government-analytics
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    9 mins
  • Episode 45 Can South Asia Stay as the World’s Fastest-Growing Region?

    Episode 45 Can South Asia Stay as the World’s Fastest-Growing Region?
    Aug 15 2026
    South Asia remains the world’s fastest-growing region, but growth is expected to slow from 7.0 percent in 2025 to 6.3 percent in 2026 as global energy disruptions create new pressures. This episode explores how trade reforms and industrial policy could shape the region’s next phase of growth. From India’s new trade agreements and Sri Lanka’s tariff reforms to targeted industrial policies, AI-related labor market shifts, and persistent regional wage gaps, we examine what governments can do to strengthen competitiveness, create jobs, and build resilience—while working within limited fiscal space. Generated with AI using wondercraft.ai and guided by our experts. Read more at https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/44482
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    10 mins
  • Episode 44 AI Is Ready—but Are Developing Countries? Insights from the World Development Report 2026

    Episode 44 AI Is Ready—but Are Developing Countries? Insights from the World Development Report 2026
    Aug 4 2026

    Nearly 1/3 of rural schools in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa lack reliable electricity, while more than two-thirds lack consistent internet access. This episode explores what developing countries need to turn AI’s potential into inclusive growth. Drawing on the World Development Report 2026, it examines why infrastructure, skills, data, and institutions matter—and how governments can act as enablers, users, and regulators of AI. Generated with AI using wondercraft.ai and guided by our experts. Read more at https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/wdr2026
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    10 mins