The "Encyclopedia of International Development" is a large-scale work that concentrates on presenting explanations of thematic concepts and debates associated with 'development', both as an academic field of study and as an activity engaged in by governments and aid agencies around the world, thus providing theoretical context and organizational background for the subject. Since the 1960s, most industrialized countries of Europe and North America have identified international development as a routine part of government policy. Today, the practice of international development is still growing and also becoming more complex as more and more countries engage in development, and international development addresses an ever-larger range of activities. Furthermore, many non-governmental and private sector agencies are now also emerging to undertake development work in addition to government bureau. This growth has been matched by an increase in academic research into the subject as a mounting number of universities offer degree courses in international development.