McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility

Accelerating inclusive growth. Improving economic mobility.

Economic mobility is critical to any society. The chance at economic opportunity, having control and autonomy over one’s life, and being valued in a community drives us to be better, to create, and to build. However, the chance of experiencing economic mobility is not evenly distributed1. Systemic gaps due to race, economic status, geography, and other factors impact the ability for some to improve their socioeconomic realities. This affects lives and livelihoods and mutes the potential of families and economies.

Leaders across sectors understand that growth and inclusion are intertwined. For long-term competitiveness and growth to occur, we must address the obstacles facing those experiencing the greatest barriers. Addressing these issues requires insight, action, and impact-driven partnerships. The McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility is a research institute and think tank dedicated to advancing inclusive economic growth in the United States – and globally.

Our mission is to help private-, public-, and social-sector leaders take coordinated action to accelerate inclusive economic growth and improve economic mobility.

Our Focus Areas

Black Economic Mobility
Black Economic Mobility
Helping organizations accelerate and sustain action that leads to the economic mobility and development of Black communities.
Latino Economic Mobility
Latino Economic Mobility
Supporting Latino communities in accessing economic mobility and building intergenerational wealth.
Rural Economic Mobility
Rural Economic Mobility
Reimagining opportunity in rural America and supporting leaders to advance economic mobility across its varied communities.

What we do

The McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility is anchored in an economic perspective. It focuses on addressing the drivers of economic inequality by:
Conducting distinctive & rigorous research
Conducting high-quality, comprehensive, objective research across a range of inclusive-economic-growth topics that build on McKinsey’s unique assets and capabilities.
Convening & empowering leaders
Working with partner organizations to bring together influential leaders and cross-sector stakeholders to catalyze dialogue and action.
Driving real-world impact
Translating research and insights into tools and capabilities that support clients and impact the real world.
Contact us
Please reach out if you are interested in learning more about our research, work, capabilities, or partnering with us.

Featured research

Four high schoolers work on an engineering project together
Article - McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility
Manufacturing in rural America: A plan for K–12–industry partnerships
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A seismic threefold increase in advanced-manufacturing investment could transform rural America by driving economic growth, creating high-quality jobs, and revitalizing communities.
Young man and woman in work coveralls and safety gear have a discussion in a warehouse.
Report
Small towns, massive opportunity: Unlocking rural America’s potential
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Six strategies could catalyze growth and improve the well-being and economic mobility of rural residents across the country.
Photograph of W. David Tarver
Interview
Accelerating economic mobility and quality of life in urban communities
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W. David Tarver, president and founder of the Urban Entrepreneurship Initiative, discusses urban entrepreneurship and how it improves quality of life in urban communities.
View all research

Our People

Shelley Stewart III
New York
Advises companies on strategy and growth-led transformations; guides organizations to build a more inclusive, dynamic economy;...
Lucy Pérez
Boston
Leader in McKinsey’s Life Sciences practice, advising pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical-product companies, and healthcare...
Nora Gardner
Washington DC
Combines technical expertise with a passion for people, advising clients on issues of organizational change and talent management...
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Connect with the McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility

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1. Disparities are evident between rural and non-rural populations. A 2021 American Community Survey indicates that approximately 80% of counties experiencing long-term poverty are rural, with about 25% of these counties having a higher proportion of people of color. Furthermore, Opportunity Insights highlights that although the racial mobility gap between Black and White populations has narrowed, White adults from low-income backgrounds still earn, on average, 41% more than their Black counterparts from similar economic backgrounds. There are also notable difference in outcomes for Latinos, where median parental income for Latino children (between the ages of 13 and 17) is $44,600, which is 51% lower than the median parental income for White children ($91,800).