Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) Dataset

Maria and David are two tailors who both produce jackets and trousers. Maria is more efficient at producing both items: she can make a jacket in 4 hours and a pair of trousers in 2 hours. David is slower, taking 8 hours to make a jacket and 3 hours to make a pair of trousers. Assuming they both want to consume some of each item, which course of action would allow for the greatest combined output, potentially benefiting them both?

The Productivity Puzzle

If one country can produce both wine and cloth using fewer labor-hours per unit than a second country, there is no potential for mutually beneficial trade between them.

Software Development Team Efficiency

The Efficient Farmer's Dilemma

Two freelance writers, Sam and Pat, can produce blog posts and social media updates. In a single day, Sam can write 8 blog posts or create 24 social media updates. In the same amount of time, Pat can write 2 blog posts or create 10 social media updates. To maximize their combined output, match each writer to the task they should specialize in.

An office has two employees, Samira and Kai, who are responsible for writing articles and designing graphics. In one day, Samira can write 4 articles or create 12 graphics. In the same time, Kai can write 3 articles or create 6 graphics. They decide to specialize and trade. They propose an exchange where Samira gives Kai 2 graphics in exchange for 1 article. Which statement best evaluates this proposed trade agreement?

The Lawyer and the Typist

An economist is analyzing the production capabilities of two neighboring regions, Region X and Region Y. Region X can produce both wheat and cloth using fewer labor hours than Region Y. To determine if mutually beneficial trade is possible, the economist follows a specific sequence of analytical steps. Arrange the following steps into the correct logical order.

The Master Craftsman's Fallacy

Gains from Trade in the Simplified Greta-Carlos Model