Biometrics : Center for Global Development : Research Topics: Technology

A growing number of developing countries are using biometric technologies to create national identification programs, but many programs are serving more specific needs including cash transfers, voter registration, and disaster relief. CGD senior fellow Alan Gelb argues that biometric technologies can ensure universal access to an official identity and, especially in cash transfer programs, biometrics can provide huge cost savings. The development community is only now beginning to understand the potential of this technology.

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Iraq’s Last Window: Diffusing the Risks of a Petro-State - Working Paper 266 - Sep 12, 2011

Johnny West describes how an oil-dividend program could be structured by, for example, taking advantage of Iraq’s existing rationing system, ubiquitous mobile phone networks, and new biometric ID cards.
Cash at Your Fingertips: Biometric Technology for Transfers in Developing and Resource-Rich Countries - Working Paper 253 - Jun 2, 2011

This paper surveys the arguments for and against cash-transfer programs in resource-rich states, discusses some of the new biometric identification technologies, and reaches preliminary conclusions about their potentially very large benefits for developing countries.

Cash at Your Fingertips: Biometric Technology for Transfers in Developing and Resource-Rich Countries - Working Paper 253 - Jun 2, 2011

This paper surveys the arguments for and against cash-transfer programs in resource-rich states, discusses some of the new biometric identification technologies, and reaches preliminary conclusions about their potentially very large benefits for developing countries.
Iraq’s Last Window: Diffusing the Risks of a Petro-State - Working Paper 266 - Sep 12, 2011

Johnny West describes how an oil-dividend program could be structured by, for example, taking advantage of Iraq’s existing rationing system, ubiquitous mobile phone networks, and new biometric ID cards.

Alan Gelb, Senior Fellow
Alan’s recent research includes aid and development outcomes, the transition from planned to market economies, and the special development challenges of resource-rich countries. He was previously director of development policy at the World Bank and chief economist for the Bank’s Africa region.

Iraq’s Last Window: Diffusing the Risks of a Petro-State - Working Paper 266 - Sep 12, 2011

Johnny West describes how an oil-dividend program could be structured by, for example, taking advantage of Iraq’s existing rationing system, ubiquitous mobile phone networks, and new biometric ID cards.
Cash at Your Fingertips: Biometric Technology for Transfers in Developing and Resource-Rich Countries - Working Paper 253 - Jun 2, 2011

This paper surveys the arguments for and against cash-transfer programs in resource-rich states, discusses some of the new biometric identification technologies, and reaches preliminary conclusions about their potentially very large benefits for developing countries.

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