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In 2018 the UK Department for International Development (DFID) launched its Digital Strategy 2018-2020, which states: ‘digital, data and technology can be an enabler rather than an end goal: the goal is in the material benefits delivered to people, particularly those who are most vulnerable and marginalised’. DFID commissioned this research to address the knowledge […]

The Construction Capacity Framework (CCF) provides a structured approach to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the construction industry in developing countries to help identify areas that could be strengthened to enable more effective infrastructure delivery and development outcomes. Global investment in infrastructure assets is expected to double between 2015 and 20303, with the greatest […]

The objective of this report is to analyse how investing in transboundary water infrastructure and governance contributes to sustainable and inclusive economic development, unpacking the assumptions being made into testable hypotheses and analysing the evidence for these pathways. Due to South Asia’s heavy economic activity around its shared rivers, there is significant economic and hydrological […]

On 4 April 2019, DFID hosted a session coordinated by Infrastructure and Cities for Economic Development (ICED) to explore mechanisms for mobilising finance for investment in urban water infrastructure. During the session, more than 15 leading development practitioners and financiers shared their viewpoints on how to achieve the goal of mobilising more than $6.7 trillion […]

The digital revolution provides significant opportunities for developing countries to diversify their economies, improve sector productivity, build their human capital and enhance governance and public services. This is particularly true for cities where much of this innovation will occur. However, whilst the digital and concurrent ‘fourth industrial revolution’ have the potential to improve the lives […]

One billion people, or 15% of the world’s population, experience some form of disability, and disability prevalence is higher in developing countries. This short paper examines the key programme entry points that programme designers and implementors can consider, by sector.

Technology is increasingly becoming a significant enabler to improve the everyday lives of people with disabilities across areas such as education, employment, civic participation, and financial inclusion. However, while technological innovations have significant potential to ‘level the playing field’ for people with disabilities, if these technologies are not developed in an inclusive way they could […]

This Briefing Note offers advice on basic approaches to Disability inclusion via infrastructure and urban interventions. This guidance includes: The basic requirements of Disability Inclusion and Universal Design. The opportunity and scale-up that infrastructure and urban development offers for delivering better development outcomes for people with disabilities. Advice on how to spot opportunities and entry […]

The Role of Governance & Transparency in DFID’s Infrastructure & Urban Programming: Summary of Roundtable Discussion A consensus has emerged around the importance of governance and transparency in delivering infrastructure and services in low income countries. Policy-makers have tended to focus on the challenges of increasing financial investment. However, this new consensus moves beyond that […]

Developing countries cannot view the digital transition as a luxury, but as a necessity if cities and countries wish to be a part of the new global economy.  Regardless of country or income level, governments are grappling with how to embrace technology shifts to achieve better outcomes for citizens. However in emerging economies, governments will […]