Innovation in Development

Development aid remains a crucial focus of international politics for both moral and strategic reasons. While many stress the importance of foreign assistance and call for more funds to help countries get out of poverty traps, critics of development aid question its impact; some even call for its end.

Traditional concepts of development are no longer suited to the present development landscape. Assertive new players such as China are reshaping the field, providing new opportunities for economic cooperation in the global South while provoking critique for the way they implement their programs. Large private foundations have gained increasing attention for proposing innovative ways to fight poverty and provide global public goods. At the same time, economic and political dynamics in countries all over Africa, Asia and the Middle East outstrip the real influence of external development aid to these regions.

GPPi conducts analysis to find out what works in development assistance, what does not and why. We strive to understand the perspectives of those affected by development aid to judge the merit of projects and programs. Looking beyond traditional development interventions, we aim to identify key internal and external factors for economic, social and political development.

By analyzing, evaluating and developing innovative strategies, GPPi contributes to making development cooperation more effective and more accountable. We focus on the roles of companies, private foundations and emerging donors. In doing so, we strive to take a holistic view, drawing from other GPPi focus areas, such as networks & partnerships, humanitarian assistance, rising powers and global governance.