Economic diversification in resource rich countries: History, state of knowledge and research agenda

Abstract

Is economic diversification desirable for a resource rich country? Our knowledge on this issue is at best partial. This paper revisits the literature on diversification in resource rich states. It maps the history of diversification, identifies gaps in the literature and documents some trends in the data. In particular, it exposes limitations in the data and catalogues trends in non-oil exports and non-oil private sector employment. It concludes with an agenda for research.