The Groningen Growth and Development Centre is a research group of economists and economic historians at the Economics Department of the University of Groningen. It was created in June 1992 within the Economics Department of the University. The group carries out research on comparative analysis of levels of economic performance and differences in growth rates in the world economy. This research programme is one in which Groningen has developed a comparative advantage since the mid-1970s.

• furthering high quality research in the field of economic growth and development inside the Netherlands
• increasing cooperation with research workers outside the Netherlands
• increasing the attractiveness of Groningen for visiting scholars in this field
• improving access to external funding for projects and research activity