Shu Yu

Shu Yu serves as a Senior Economist in the World Bank's Prospects Group, where she specializes in development economics and political economy research. After earning her PhD in Economics from the University of Groningen and BSc from Fudan University, she has built an impressive research portfolio focusing on informal economies, political stability, and long-term growth. Her recent work includes leading the comprehensive analysis of global informality through the development of a novel database covering over 160 economies, which has become a fundamental resource for understanding informal economic activities worldwide. She has published extensively on topics ranging from the Belt and Road Initiative to political leadership impacts on economic stability, with her research appearing in prominent journals. Before joining the World Bank, she gained valuable experience at various institutions including the University of Rochester, International Monetary Fund, and the Conference Board. Her current work focuses on understanding business cycles in informal economies, digitalization's impact on inclusive growth, and the relationship between financial development and informality, demonstrating her commitment to advancing understanding of critical development economics issues.