The standards of what constitutes rigorous research are rising. In a response to what has been called a credibility crisis, entire scientific fields are calling for published research to more closely follow the scientific ideals most scientists learn early in their education. Following suit, the IDB, a leader in the generation of knowledge for Latin America, partnered with the … [Read more...] about Three reasons in favor of transparent, reproducible, and ethical research practices
The Challenge of Countercyclicality for Multilateral Development Banks
As established in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (2015), Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) are expected to provide lending in the event of financial or economic shocks. Economists call this countercyclical lending. However, a recent study shows that while the MDB system as a whole acts countercyclically, in other words, lends less to a country during its booms and more … [Read more...] about The Challenge of Countercyclicality for Multilateral Development Banks
Five lessons for successful government partnerships
Educational quality improvement program in Peru. Governments in Latin America spend billions on social programs each year, reaching millions of people with critical public services. But can governments identify more cost-effective strategies to deliver these services? Relying on data and evidence to improve policy design and implementation is one way to ensure … [Read more...] about Five lessons for successful government partnerships
Ready to meet the SDGs together
In aiming to improve lives and protect the planet, the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be designed with a single benefit in mind. Challenges such as civil conflict, forced displacement, environmental degradation, poverty and inequality are almost always mutually reinforcing. So are their solutions. To be effective the response must embrace economic, social and … [Read more...] about Ready to meet the SDGs together
Can impact evaluations improve project execution?
By Anna Crespo Development agencies are in a privileged position to foster a better understanding of program results and how to improve them. And it is in their interest to do so. After all, they want to sponsor effective interventions. One of these tools—impact evaluation—has been on the rise in international development in the last two decades. Not only can they isolate … [Read more...] about Can impact evaluations improve project execution?