Assessing the macro-level political, economic and social mechanisms that can deliver an inclusive economy: A protocol for a systematic review of reviews

Background. An inclusive economy is increasingly recognised as an effective way to tackle widening inequalities within populations and ensure nations can “build back better” after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the different mechanisms that can be used to deliver an inclusive economy are not well established, and the strength and quality of evidence supporting such mechanisms are yet to be synthesised. Aim. To systematically review the literature to identify the political, economic and social mechanisms that can be used to deliver an inclusive economy. Search methods. We will search eight peer-reviewed databases including EconLit, Web of Science, Sociological Abstracts, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, Proquest Public Health Database, Embase and Medline. Grey literature will be searched using Google Scholar and websites for various governmental and non-governmental organisations. Selection criteria. We will include literature reviews assessing the impact of social, political and/or economic mechanisms that can deliver an inclusive economy. Relevant exposures include any population-level social, political or economic mechanisms and relevant outcomes include increased equity in any of the following: (i) opportunities, e.g. access to education, training, employment, owning and running businesses, owning and managing community assets, finance; (ii) the experiences of people in different social classes, and (iii) the distribution of the economy’s outcomes, e.g. resources, good quality jobs and living standards, and power, income and wealth. Data collection and analysis. A modified version of the AMSTAR-2 criteria will be used for critical appraisal. Data will then be synthesised qualitatively (or quantitatively, where applicable) giving greater weight to higher quality reviews. Discussion: Our review will synthesise the available reviewed evidence on mechanisms that have been evaluated in relation to inclusive economy outcomes. This will help policymakers and practitioners identify potential interventions and levers that can be used to deliver an inclusive economy. We will also assess the depth as well as the strengths and weaknesses in existing reviewed evidence base and identify areas that require further reviews of primary research and evaluation.