Disruptors and enablers of research for development: exploring futures

The global development landscape is changing in significant ways. Increasingly complex and interconnected development challenges are taking on a truly global scale and impact and there is a new and emerging set of development actors. Persistent inequalities, climate change, technological disruption, increasing fragility and more recently, pandemic response, continue to occupy the attention of development actors, including those who fund and support research for development.

This project brings together a team of research-for-development experts and foresight practitioners who will use research and strategic foresight tools to assist funders and institutions to be better prepared for the long-term. This involves not only anticipating risks, shocks and emerging challenges, but also better identifying opportunities in the shape of enablers and catalyzers that can be leveraged for positive development change.

The analysis and knowledge produced will be shared via communications and learning materials. Results are expected to contribute to learning-for-development strategy adaptation and greater organizational resilience, agility and clarity about the challenges and opportunities that could unfold in the future research-for-development environment.