Series
Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative
Economic Growth
Advancing policies that promote markets, free trade, and democratic capitalism
“Capitalist countries have shown that free markets are the surest path to economic growth, opportunity for all, and a just system based on human dignity.” -President George W. Bush
The George W. Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative combines the Bush Institute’s action-oriented approach to policy and its extraordinary convening ability with SMU’s research and academic excellence, particularly in economics.
Our joint work draws from economic policy-making experience at the highest levels and from the cutting edge of research in economics to identify ideas for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and faster, more inclusive growth through global competitiveness and sound immigration policy.
In Economic Growth
The latest
Article · Aug 20, 2026
What does it mean for Haiti and South Sudan if their citizens are forced to return?
Citizens of Haiti and South Sudan were each independently designated for temporary protected status for combinations of factors, including active armed conflict, violent political breakdown and dire humanitarian conditions, such as water and food shortages -- none of which have eased.
Article · Jul 2, 2026
Economic independence: America’s most radical idea
To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I will publish a series of 12 essays exploring milestone events that shaped the American economy into what it is today – from the adoption of the Declaration of Independence to the Marshall Plan. I’ll pay particular attention to the country’s formative decades and tell the stories of ideas, policies, and innovations that helped build the world’s strongest economy.
Jun 25, 2026
Expanding and democratizing education: The Morrill Land-Grant College Act of 1862
To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I will publish a series of 12 essays exploring milestone events that shaped the American economy into what it is today – from the adoption of the Declaration of Independence to the Marshall Plan. I’ll pay particular attention to the country’s formative decades and tell the stories of ideas, policies, and innovations that helped build the world’s strongest economy.
May 27, 2026
How 19th century canals and railroads transformed America
To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I will publish a series of 12 essays exploring milestone events that shaped the American economy into what it is today – from the adoption of the Declaration of Independence to the Marshall Plan. I’ll pay particular attention to the country’s formative decades and tell the stories of ideas, policies, and innovations that helped build the world’s strongest economy.
Apr 21, 2026
The bedrock of America’s business model
To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I will publish a series of 12 essays exploring milestone events that shaped the American economy into what it is today – from the adoption of the Declaration of Independence to the Marshall Plan. I’ll pay particular attention to the country’s formative decades and tell the stories of ideas, policies, and innovations that helped build the world’s strongest economy.
Feb 20, 2026
The United States’ focus on the Western Hemisphere needs to include Canada and Mexico