• Case Study

Financial Instruments for Social Innovation and Impact

  • Source : European Commission
  • 1 January 2021
This OECD chapter outlines strategies to align impact investment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It presents a framework called the “impact imperative,” emphasizing the need for financing, innovation, data, and integrity. The report critiques prevailing practices where investors often prioritize returns over measurable impact. It calls for better regulation, data harmonization, and clearer standards to prevent “impact washing.” Recommendations include fostering ecosystem-wide cooperation among governments, donors, and private investors to build a scalable, credible market for investments that deliver tangible social and environmental outcomes.
  • Case Study

More Than Just a Trend -the Importance of Impact Investing

  • Source : Corporate Finance Review
  • 3 January 2014
This article discusses the growing importance of impact investing, highlighting it as more than just a fleeting trend. It delves into the dual objectives of impact investing: generating both financial and social returns. The piece explores why investors are increasingly drawn to this approach and the implications for corporate finance. It aims to demonstrate that impact investing is a significant and evolving segment of the financial landscape with lasting relevance.
  • Case Study

How Can Finance Lead to More Sustainable Impact?

  • Source : India Development Review
  • 1 February 2021
This review synthesizes over 260 articles examining social entrepreneurship, social finance, and impact investing. It highlights the theoretical foundations and challenges for hybrid models in social enterprise, focusing on governance and legal issues. The review also addresses gaps in definitions and suggests a roadmap for future academic and legal work to better regulate social enterprise. It concludes by recommending that financial mechanisms play a crucial role in advancing sustainable impact in society through well-structured finance models and greater clarity on regulatory frameworks.
  • Case Study

Meeting the Challenge of Impact Investing: How Can Contracting Practices Secure Social Impact Without Sacrificing Performance?

  • Source : Journal of Sustainable Finance and Investment
  • 1 January 2012
This article addresses the challenge of securing social impact in impact investing while maintaining financial performance. It explores how contracting practices can be designed to align the dual objectives of social and financial returns. The author analyses various contractual mechanisms and their effectiveness in ensuring accountability for social outcomes without compromising financial viability. The paper provides insights into structuring agreements that incentivize impact delivery and manage risks within the social finance landscape.
  • Case Study

Long-run Returns to Impact Investing in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies

  • Source : NBER
  • 2 January 2020
This paper provides the first comprehensive evidence on the long-run returns to private equity in emerging and frontier markets. Utilizing cash flow data from every equity investment made by the International Finance Corporation across 130 countries over 58 years, the study analyses the relationship between realised returns and macroeconomic conditions. It finds that returns are lower when economies relax capital controls and deepen their banking sectors, and improve with stronger real GDP growth and reductions in sovereign risk.
  • Media Article

This Aid Agency Intends to Use Microsoft AI to Solve World Hunger and Malnutrition

  • Source : This Aid Agency Intends to Use Microsoft AI to Solve World Hunger and Malnutrition
  • 3 January 2019
The UN World Food Programme is collaborating with Microsoft to apply artificial intelligence in combating global hunger. This article highlights how AI and predictive analytics are being used to forecast food insecurity, enhance aid targeting, and optimise logistics. It details the integration of satellite imagery, climate data, and field reports to support real-time decision-making and proactive crisis response. This innovative use of AI demonstrates the potential of technology-driven humanitarian efforts, marking a shift toward more intelligent, responsive, and data-informed food distribution systems aimed at reducing malnutrition and food scarcity.
  • Blog

Towards a Carbon Data Science

  • Source : Henley Business School
  • 1 March 2016
This paper explores the concept of Carbon Data Science, highlighting the need for integrated carbon datasets and advanced analytics to address climate change challenges. It outlines methods to harmonise environmental data for better carbon accounting and policy formulation. The authors propose frameworks for leveraging data science in emission tracking, financial modelling of green investments, and sustainable resource allocation. This interdisciplinary approach combines climate science, finance, and data analytics to support global efforts in reducing carbon emissions and achieving sustainability goals.
  • Blog

Using AI to Identify Plastic Pollution and Expedite Ocean Cleanup

  • Source : Xyonix Blog
  • 1 January 2022
This blog post explains how artificial intelligence is used to detect and combat plastic pollution in oceans. It describes the development of machine learning models trained on satellite and drone imagery to identify pollution hotspots and accelerate cleanup initiatives. The technology enables faster, scalable detection of plastic debris, helping organisations prioritise areas for intervention. The article also addresses the environmental benefits of AI-powered ocean conservation.
  • Media Article

The Value of Big Data for Family Planning

  • Source : Duke Center for Global Reproductive Health
  • 1 January 2018
This media article discusses how big data is revolutionising family planning efforts. It examines the application of data analytics to understand population needs, track contraceptive use, and forecast demand for reproductive health services. The article showcases examples where data insights helped design more targeted and efficient programmes. It also considers the role of real-time data collection in decision-making and resource allocation. By integrating large datasets from health surveys, digital tools, and administrative records, big data offers transformative potential in making family planning services more accessible and impactful.
  • Blog

Using AI to Improve Maternal and Child Health in India

  • Source : Observer Research Foundation
  • 2 February 2023
This blog explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform maternal and child health outcomes in India. Highlighting India’s challenges with high maternal and infant mortality rates, the authors discuss how AI-based systems can enable early diagnosis, personalised care, and improved resource allocation. It also outlines ethical concerns and the need for robust data systems, privacy safeguards, and health system integration to maximise AI’s impact. The piece calls for collaboration between public, private, and research institutions to drive AI-enabled health innovation.
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