100 Ideas for Research Projects in Economics 

Passionate about economics? Completing an economics research project for your EPQ is an excellent way to develop skills in this area in preparation for higher education, or to get ahead in your future career. The great thing about economics is that it’s intertwined with many things we see and do every day. Almost anything can be looked at from an economic perspective, which makes it an exciting area for research. If you want to explore the subject further, read on to discover 100 ideas for research projects in economics.

What Makes a Great Research Project in Economics?

Economics is, by nature, investigative. It’s the social science of exploring interesting ideas, analysing data, and experimenting with theories to make sense of the world around us. A great research topic in economics should…

• Interest you: Select an EPQ topic that triggers your curiosity and makes you eager to dig deeper to find out more.
• Be relevant: The best economic theories stand the test of time, but it’s important to investigate economic challenges and emerging trends relevant to today’s society.
• Be original: Research a topic that offers a fresh perspective. Economics intersects with fields including technology, psychology, urban studies, law and maths, so there’s lots to explore.
• Be achievable: Make sure you have the tools and resources at your disposal to do justice to your research topic.

100 Research Ideas for Economics

Research project ideas about globalisation, trade, and international economics:

#1: How globalisation has affected income inequality
#2: The impact of tariffs on global trade
#3: How AI affects global trade and supply chains
#4: How sanctions affect global trade
#5: Cross-border e-commerce: Is it good for the economy?
#6: The effects of currency devaluation on trade

Research projects about technology and its economic effects:

#7: The influence of technology on labour markets
#8: The economic impact of AI on job markets
#9: The role of AI in enhancing labour productivity
#10: The economic risks of AI-induced unemployment
#11: The economic implications of AI in retail
#12: The economics of cryptocurrency mining
#13: Blockchain: How will it affect supply chain transparency?
#14: The economic impact of quantum computing on data security
#15: The economic potential of VR and AR in education

Research project ideas about workforce and job markets:

#16: The gig economy’s effect on job security
#17: The gender wage gap in developing countries
#18: The gender wage gap: causes and solutions
#19: How minimum wage laws affect small businesses
#20: How transaction costs affect market behaviours
#21: The link between labour unions and wage determination
#22: The role of robotics in addressing labour shortages
#23: The economics of ride-sharing platforms
#24: Does remote work boost the economy?

Research projects about economic policies and government roles:

#25: The role of central banks in modern economies
#26: How monetary policy changes during financial crises
#27: How corporate tax cuts affect investment
#28: The role of foreign aid in economic development
#29: Government subsidies and their effect on industries
#30: The impact of public debt on national economies
#31: Pension reforms: How do they impact government spending?
#32: The impact of financial regulations on bank profits
#33: The role of government in promoting tech innovation
#34: The role of government in reducing poverty
#35: How fiscal policy influences inflation rates
#36: Evaluating the efficiency of welfare programs
#37: The economic effects of social welfare programs
#38: The effects of government austerity on public services

Research project ideas about economic development and sustainability:

#39: The economics of renewable energy adoption
#40: Assessing the impact of renewable energy on job creation
#41: The economic impacts of deforestation
#42: The economics of clean water access
#43: The economic impact of resource scarcity
#44: The economics of waste management in big cities
#45: The economic value of electric vehicles

Research project ideas about consumer behavior and market dynamics:

#46: The pricing strategies used in the airline industry
#47: The price elasticity of demand for luxury goods
#48: How interest rates affect housing markets
#49: How do changing family structures influence housing markets?
#50: Consumer preferences: The impact on demand curves
#51: How do price wars influence market share competition?
#52: The economics of online piracy
#53: The effects of teleworking on urban economies
#54: Rent controls: do they work?
#55: How supply chain disruptions impact pricing volatility
#56: Analysing historical data on pricing volatility in technology

Research projects about socio-economic impacts:

#57: The economic effects of pandemics on tourism
#58: How tourism drives economic development
#59: The economic impact of ageing populations
#60: Is universal healthcare always economically feasible?
#61: The impact of inequality on economic mobility
#62: Public transportation: How does it influence economic mobility?
#63: How does corruption affect GDP growth?
#64: Tax evasion and its impact on economic inequality
#65: How military spending affects the economy
#66: The impact of low-interest rates on economic bubbles
#67: How deflation impacts employment levels
#68: The effects of deflation on consumer behaviour
#69: How psychological factors influence economic decision-making
#70: The impact of policy interventions on economic behaviour
#71: How emotions affect market dynamics in financial markets
#72: The economic effects of information asymmetry
#73: The role of trust in economic development
#74: Exploring how cultural differences influence economic behaviour
#75: The role of social identity in economic interactions

Research project ideas about innovation and entrepreneurship:

#76: Does entrepreneurship drive economic growth?
#77: How do non-profits boost the economy?
#78: What role do young people play in driving innovation?
#79: The role of venture capital in innovation
#80: The role of innovation in economic development
#81: How does competition drive innovation?
#82: The effects of patents on pharmaceutical pricing
#83: How market structure affects pricing power

Research project ideas about financial and market systems:

#84: Debt crisis management in emerging economies
#85: The impact of inflation on household savings
#86: How stock market volatility affects GDP
#87: The economics of digital currencies and the future of banking
#88: Do digital currencies affect inflation?
#89: The effects of global oil price volatility
#90: Game theory and strategic decision-making

Research project ideas about demographic and societal changes:

#91: How do changing demographics affect the economy?
#92: The economic implications of increasing immigration
#93: How do monopolies affect consumer choice?
#94: How incentives boost employee productivity
#95: The impact of urban sprawl on economic productivity
#96: How financial literacy affects investment behaviour
#97: Supply and demand dynamics in digital markets
#98: The economics of ride-sharing platforms
#99: Exploring the impact of family structures on housing markets
#100: Public transportation and economic mobility

Start Exploring an Exciting Economics EPQ Topic Today 

The topics provided are designed to inspire students to explore the fascinating aspects of economics. It’s important to select an EPQ or paper topic that you find interesting and that can deepen your understanding of economic theory and how it can be applied in real-world settings. Hopefully, you have found one of these amongst our list of 100 ideas for research projects in economics!

If you need help with your research, you can lean on the expertise of our academics by visiting the Immense Education Economics Online Research Programme Page. They will guide you through the process of conducting research and give you detailed, timely, and relevant advice so you can produce a degree-level essay.