Development Impact Bonds in Developing Countries: an Emerging Innovation for Achieving Social Outcomes

This academic article examines Development Impact Bonds (DIBs) as an emerging innovative financing mechanism for achieving social outcomes in developing countries. It discusses how DIBs facilitate public-private partnerships, emphasizing their role in promoting social welfare through results-based finance. The authors highlight the potential of DIBs to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by linking funding directly to measurable improvements in social indicators.

Social Impact Investments: Does an Alternative to the Anglo-saxon Paradigm Exist?

This paper explores the characteristics of the Social Impact Investment (SII) market outside the Anglo-Saxon paradigm, questioning if alternative development models exist where traditional enablers (highly capitalised foundations, specialised intermediaries, state endorsement) are less prevalent. Focusing on the Italian context through the lens of network theory, the study analyses who plays a role in SII development and how actors organise under such circumstances. It contributes to understanding the diversity of impact investment ecosystems globally.

Development Finance: the Ibsa Fund and Development Impact Bonds

This case study examines the role of the IBSA Fund and Development Impact Bonds (DIBs) within the broader landscape of development finance. It highlights how these mechanisms facilitate international development cooperation and multi-stakeholder partnerships, particularly in the context of India–Africa relations concerning food security and capacity building. The authors analyse how the IBSA Fund and DIBs contribute to mobilizing resources and achieving development outcomes through innovative financing models.

The Evolution of Private Sector Action in Sustainable Development

This report examines the historical and evolving role of the private sector in advancing sustainable development. It discusses how private entities, including corporations, investors, and philanthropists, have shifted from often blocking progress to increasingly becoming partners and drivers of system change. The paper highlights various forms of private sector engagement, including impact investing and corporate social responsibility initiatives, emphasizing their contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through capital investment and expertise. It provides policy recommendations for leveraging private sector diversity for progress.

Development Finance, Blended Finance and Insurance

This article explores the interconnectedness of development finance, blended finance, and insurance, particularly in the context of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It examines how blended finance, by strategically combining official development assistance with private capital, can leverage greater resources for development. The author also discusses the role of insurance mechanisms in mitigating risks associated with development investments, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of finance for global development.

Coping with Impact Investing Antagonistic Objectives: a Multistakeholder Approach

This article examines how various stakeholders in impact investing navigate the inherent conflict between financial returns and social objectives. It proposes a multistakeholder approach to manage these antagonistic objectives, focusing on instruments like Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), Social Impact Bonds (SIB), and social enterprises that embody a “blended value” proposition. The authors analyse strategies for reconciling these goals through collaboration and shared understanding among investors, beneficiaries, and service providers.

Can Social Finance Improve the Outcomes of Employment and Training Programs?

This paper investigates whether social finance can improve the outcomes of employment and training programs. It defines social finance as methods promoting both social goals and financial returns, identifying six models: employment, fee-for-service, financial incentives, social purpose businesses, pay-for-success, and public-private partnerships. The study concludes that social finance can scale proven innovations and, crucially for employment programs, intensifies engagement with employers, a historically lacking element.

Undp, Sdc, Kpmg and Social Finance India Launch Sdg Finance Facility in India

This article announces the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Finance Facility in India, a collaborative effort by UNDP, SDC, KPMG, and Social Finance India. The facility aims to incubate innovative financial instruments aligned with the SDGs, catalysing funding for improved social and developmental outcomes across the country. It highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships and innovative finance in mobilizing private investment to address India’s pressing development challenges and achieve the SDGs.

Building Institutional Legitimacy in Impact Investing: Strategies and Gaps in Financial Communication and Discourse

This paper explores how actors in the impact investing market build institutional legitimacy through financial and non-financial communication, addressing the “liability of newness” stemming from hybrid institutional logics. Using thematic discourse analysis, the study identifies diverse legitimization strategies employed based on actors’ market positioning, organizational activities, governance, and mission. It highlights discursive engagement gaps and the need for convergence in reporting to enhance market functionality.

Bringing Impact Investing Down to Earth: Insights for Making Sense, Managing Outcomes, and Meeting Client Demand

This paper offers insights into impact investing, focusing on making sense of its complexities, effectively managing outcomes, and meeting client demand. It delves into the practical aspects of implementing impact investment strategies, including performance measurement and aligning investments with social and environmental goals. The report aims to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application for financial professionals and investors.
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