• 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.
  • Case Study

Making Impact Investing More Than Just Well-meaning Capital

  • Source : Business and Society
  • 1 January 2022
This article contends that impact investing is progressively losing focus on genuinely making a difference, suggesting that market growth may not translate to real social and environmental change. The authors propose three ways to re-center “impact” in impact investment. They discuss critical concepts such as additionality, impact-washing, and intentionality, advocating for clearer strategies to ensure investments deliver authentic and measurable social and environmental outcomes beyond mere financial returns.
  • Blog

Using Big Data to Tackle the Air Pollution Problem

  • Source : University of Manchester Blog
  • 1 May 2022
This blog discusses how big data can be used to combat air pollution in urban areas. It presents evidence from the Manchester Urban Observatory, where researchers use real-time data to identify pollution hotspots, model emission trends, and influence policy decisions. The post argues that big data, coupled with targeted interventions and citizen engagement, can help design more resilient cities. It stresses the importance of data transparency, open access, and inter-agency collaboration for scalable environmental solutions.
  • Case Study

Institutional Impact Investing: Practice and Policy

  • Source : Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment
  • 1 January 2013
This article examines institutional impact investing, exploring its practices and policy implications for responsible and economically targeted investing. It delves into how institutional investors are increasingly engaging in investments that aim to generate both financial returns and positive social or environmental impact. The authors discuss the evolving landscape of responsible investing and the role of policy frameworks in encouraging broader adoption of impact investing strategies by large institutions.
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