The Regional Studies Association has awarded a Policy Expo entitled Cash in Hand: Basic Income and Regional Equity.
The research will be led by:
- Marc Doussard, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
- Jurgen De Wispelaere, University of Bath, UK
- Joe Chrisp, University of Bath, UK
This Policy Expo book evaluates basic income as a tool for addressing systematic inequality within and between regions. We begin by documenting systemic inter- and intra-regional inequalities across OECD and Global South nations. We then provide an overview of the policy goals of universal basic income and the current proliferation of basic income trials and related unconditional cash transfers. Working through key examples, we differentiate national, sub-national and local basic incomes, and identify key differences between public, private and not-for-profit programs. We then turn to evidence, evaluating trial findings on key social and economic indicators and examining pathways from basic income trials to standing policy. We conclude by considering basic income’s possible contributions to core mechanisms and goals of regional development.
Expected Publication date: 2025