Yashi Jain is a Postdoctoral Research Assistant at Swansea University and WISERD, working on the ESRC-funded People, Places and the Public Sphere programme. She is an economist specialising in socio-economic analysis, wellbeing, cultural capital, place-based development and public policy evaluation. Her research explores how culture, identity and local resources shape social and economic outcomes, with a particular focus on regional inequalities, community wellbeing and inclusive growth.
Yashi completed her PhD in Economics at Swansea University, where she examined culture as a driver of circular economy behaviours and sustainable development through a culture-based development perspective. Her work combines advanced quantitative methods, econometrics and spatial analysis to investigate the relationship between cultural participation, wellbeing, social value and economic development.
Prior to joining WISERD, Yashi worked with the Welsh Government on circular economy policy and resource efficiency initiatives, contributing to evidence-based policymaking on sustainability, wellbeing and community outcomes. She has also undertaken research and consultancy projects involving public service evaluation, regional development and socio-economic impact assessment, translating complex research findings into policy-relevant recommendations for government, academic and stakeholder audiences.