Written by Alexandra Stepe | September 2024
As part of my Economic Development course, I recently completed a research paper titled “Understanding the Arab Republic of Egypt’s Developing Economy Through the Big Push Model.” This project combined analytical research with economic theory to explore how large-scale, coordinated investments might help unlock long-term, sustainable growth in one of the most populous countries in the Middle East and North Africa. You can read the pdf version of the paper through the following download link or the key summary and utilized skills below:
Alternate Link
The Core Idea: Big Push Meets Big Potential
At the heart of my paper was the Big Push Model, a theory by Paul Rosenstein-Rodan that argues for simultaneous investments across sectors to escape economic stagnation. Egypt, with its surplus labor, strategic location, and large domestic market, offers a compelling case study for this model. Using this framework, I explored: Egypt’s historical development trajectory, including state-led industrialization and later market reforms Key economic indicators like GDP per capita growth, employment-to-population ratios, and FDI inflows The challenges and opportunities in mobilizing capital and addressing structural inefficiencies The conclusion? While Egypt has made progress, it needs a coordinated, long-term strategy that invests in labor-intensive sectors, improves the business climate, and strengthens institutions.
Skills I Used in This Project
This research deepened my understanding of both theory and real-world policy. Here are the key skills I applied:
Economic Analysis: Interpreting development models and applying them to real data
Data Interpretation: Analyzing trends in GDP, employment, and FDI using World Bank and UNCTAD datasets
Policy Insight: Evaluating how structural and historical factors shape economic outcomes
Academic Research & Writing: Synthesizing scholarly and government sources to build a compelling argument
Strategic Thinking: Recommending investment priorities based on comparative advantage and macroeconomic indicators
Portfolio Takeaways
This paper showcases my ability to:
Apply abstract economic models to practical case studies
Conduct sector-based investment analysis within a geopolitical and institutional context
Present complex economic narratives in a structured, accessible way
Develop actionable recommendations rooted in both theory and data
For those interested in economic consulting, international development, or public policy, this project is a strong demonstration of my capacity to think critically and strategically about global economic challenges.