Laboratory of Opportunities in Spain: a step towards equality and social mobility

The arrival of the Opportunity Lab in Spain, driven by an unprecedented collaboration with Harvard's Opportunity Insights, marks a significant milestone in the fight against inequality and the promotion of social mobility in the country. This new research center emerges in an alarming context where inequality is growing, poverty is consolidating, and the social elevator seems to be stuck. The need to unravel the factors fueling these issues is more urgent than ever, and the Lab's mission is to address this situation through data analysis. Under the leadership of economist Raj Chetty, Opportunity Insights has revolutionized the study of social mobility in the United States through the innovative use of large administrative databases. This approach has allowed researchers to identify patterns and correlations that would otherwise have remained hidden. Chetty, a prominent figure in public economics, has gained notoriety for his ability to transform data into insights that can influence effective public policies. The Opportunity Lab stands as a response to the lack of thorough research in Spain on social mobility and inequality. Despite having a vast collection of administrative data, its use has been limited and often ignored in the academic sphere. However, the collaboration with the Felipe González Foundation and the Future Policy Lab promises to change this dynamic. Together, these institutions will seek to leverage data from the Tax Agency and other sources to shed light on the causes and consequences of inequality in the country. The creation of this lab is a step towards democratizing access to information and analysis. The first findings from the Opportunity Lab are expected by the end of this year, and their impact could be significant in shaping public policies. By making the results of its research available to the administration, the Lab aims to promote concrete actions that reactivate the social elevator, which has shown poor performance in recent years. The lab will be led by Javier Soria, a promising economist working under the supervision of Thomas Piketty at the Paris School of Economics. Soria's experience, combined with Chetty's guidance, ensures that the Opportunity Lab will be in the hands of highly skilled professionals committed to the cause of equality. The advisory board, which includes prominent figures from academia and journalism, will ensure that the lab's approach is rigorous and relevant. One of the main objectives of the Lab is to deepen research on social mobility in Spain, a country that has faced significant challenges in this area. The financial crisis of 2008 and the austerity policies that followed have left a deep mark on the country's social and economic structure. Through detailed analysis, the Lab hopes to identify the barriers that hinder greater social mobility and propose viable solutions. The second pillar of the Lab's mission is to create a bridge between research and political action. The availability of robust data and analysis can be an invaluable resource for policymakers. If used appropriately, the Lab's findings can help design initiatives that not only address current inequality but also create a more equitable environment for future generations. The importance of this type of research cannot be underestimated. At a time when social and political polarization is palpable, the Opportunity Lab has the responsibility to influence the debate on inequality and social mobility. Creating a space for discussion and analysis can contribute to greater social awareness of these issues, fostering a dialogue that involves diverse stakeholders. Collaboration between international and local institutions is a model to follow in the fight against inequality. The synergy between Harvard and Spanish institutions will not only strengthen research in this field but also allow for the exchange of knowledge and experiences that will enrich the analysis of the situation in Spain. As this initiative develops, it will be crucial not only to closely monitor its findings but also to observe how the resulting recommendations are implemented in public policy. The establishment of the Opportunity Lab represents renewed hope in the pursuit of a more equitable future for all Spanish citizens.