The rise of the global economy has reduced the poverty rate from 46% in 1980 to 9% today. While this historic progress underscores the enduring value of free markets, work remains to ensure that the next phase of growth is both inclusive and sustainable. See the programs and stories below depicting the people, ideas, policy reforms and innovations to heighten outcomes in education, workforce success, and economic development.
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Opportunity
Our Projects
Workforce 2040: Pathways to Prosperity
Workforce 2040: Pathways to Prosperity looks ahead to the forces reshaping work and opportunity across the Great Lakes region, with a special focus on Indiana. The project explores how demographic shifts, technological advances, and globalization will shape the workforce over the next two decades. It presents future scenarios and strategic pathways to help Indiana and its neighbors not only adapt to change but also lead in building a more resilient and prosperous economy.
Building better communities
Sagamore empowers and equips leaders in Indiana’s small and mid-sized communities to achieve lasting economic and social prosperity. By promoting local ownership, enhancing quality of life, and supporting innovative leaders, the Building Better Communities portfolio provides the tools communities need to shape their future and build thriving, resilient places.
African Dynamism
InnoPower hosted Yellowstone actor Denim Richards at RALLY 2024 to discuss his move to Botswana and his entrepreneurial endeavors across the continent. In 2025, InnoPower and Sagamore formed a partnership to produce a report on Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and to make the case for enhancing US-Africa trade.
improving mental health
Improved behavioral health requires an ecosystem approach to reform and better practice. This social crisis was looming under the surface for a long time, but it gained velocity and visibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Much attention is being paid to the specific causes, such as social media, stigma, and barriers to entry. However, Sagamore is focused on systems reform, innovations in practices, and other solutions to help the individual and society gain health and well-being.
closing the wealth gap
Too many individuals and families face barriers to building lasting wealth, particularly in communities that have been historically marginalized. At Sagamore Institute, we are committed to narrowing the wealth gap by advancing practical, scalable strategies that promote financial inclusion, support diverse entrepreneurs, and inform equitable policy. Through research, collaboration, and community engagement, we work to create pathways to prosperity that are open to all.
Human Flourishing
Sagamore senior fellow Byron Johnson has established a research collaborative between Baylor University, Harvard University, and Gallup to conduct the largest-ever glob study on what it means to flourish. The investigation will focus on six domains and include interviews with over 200,000 people in 22 nations.
Secretaries Innovation Group
Jason Turner was credited as being a lead architect in Wisconsin’s landmark welfare reforms, and he also served as commissioner of New York City’s human services department. Now he’s convening dozens of state-level welfare, health, and workforce cabinet officials twice annually to spur continued reforms.