Research in action
How we turn thinking into knowledge, and knowledge into change on the ground — across eight cross-disciplinary themes.
A virtuous circle: think, know, act, improve
We first think, then build knowledge, then act for change — which improves lives. Each step feeds the next.
Step 01
Conduct research activities
We carry out scientific and innovative cross-disciplinary research. We train researchers and development actors, and we share knowledge internationally.
Step 02
Use findings for action
We turn research findings into concrete intervention projects on the ground — then scale them up to reach more communities.
The data foundation
IRI builds and maintains its own database of countries’ policy documents. We review the key indicators critically — and design new ones that fit the context.
The eight research themes
Each theme studies a different lever of development — and the eighth, FIMAC, cross-breeds them all.
Geopolitics & governance
How geopolitical and geostrategic interference shapes economic and political governance — local, national, and transnational.
Regional sectoral policies
Updates, assessment, and perspectives on the sectoral policies that shape regional development.
Land, resources & new energy
Governance of land and natural resources, and new energy pathways for sustainable development.
People, vulnerability & inclusion
Putting people first: vulnerability and inclusion as the test of any development effort.
Urban & rural innovation
Innovation for (peri-)urban and rural development — bridging the gap between the two.
Business, enterprise & jobs
Business, entrepreneurship, and the labour market as engines of dignified livelihoods.
Digital innovation for change
Digital innovation aimed squarely at social change, not technology for its own sake.
Cross-breeding ideas
Feeding innovative minds for multi-sector action by cross-breeding all the themes above.
Let's build knowledge that fits your context
Researchers, universities, policy makers, NGOs, and funders: there is a clear path to work with IRI.