• 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.
  • Blog

The Use of Data Science for Education: the Case of Social-emotional Learning

  • Source : Springer Open
  • 2 January 2017
This blog post explores the role of data science in enhancing social-emotional learning (SEL) within educational settings. By analysing behavioural and emotional data, it highlights how predictive analytics can support early identification of students needing intervention. The post discusses the development of data-driven tools to monitor emotional wellbeing and inform personalised SEL programs. It also considers ethical considerations in collecting and using sensitive student data. The case exemplifies how integrating SEL metrics into data science practices can improve holistic education outcomes and foster emotionally intelligent learning environments.
  • Blog

Using Data for a Resilient Future

  • Source : UNDP India Blog
  • 2 December 2021
This blog explores how data-driven strategies are fostering resilience across India, focusing on climate action, public service delivery, and urban planning. It highlights collaborative models between government and private entities, leveraging digital tools, open data, AI, and big data platforms to anticipate crises and improve long-term planning. Case examples show how integrated systems can predict trends, improve decision-making, and ensure sustainable development outcomes. The blog calls for equitable data access and innovation for inclusive resilience-building.
  • Case Study

Policy Impediments to Social Investments by Australian Businesses

  • Source : Book: The Three Sector Solution published by ANU Press
  • 1 January 2016
This book chapter explores the policy impediments that hinder social investments by Australian businesses. It delves into the complexities of the three-sector solution, emphasizing the collaborative efforts required between government, not-for-profits, and businesses to deliver effective public policy. The analysis identifies key challenges and governance issues that arise when attempting to foster social investment, advocating for policy reforms that facilitate greater private sector engagement in addressing social issues.
  • Case Study

Mainstreaming Blended Finance in Climate-smart Agriculture: Complementarity, Modality, and Proximity

  • Source : Journal of Rural Studies
  • 1 January 2022
This study examines the mainstreaming of blended finance in climate-smart agriculture, an area often plagued by risks. It bridges the literature gap by considering theoretical lenses of governance, actor moral preferences, and institutional complexity. Findings indicate that while local banks hesitate due to procedural restrictions and implementing agencies feel overburdened, actors collaborate due to role complementarities and proximity. Recognizing and internalizing these factors can promote blended finance mainstreaming, transforming it into a regular financing mode for sustainable agriculture.
  • Case Study

Profiting From Our Pain: Privileged Access to Social Impact Investing

  • Source : California Law Review
  • 1 January 2021
This article critically examines the burgeoning social impact investing trend, particularly in the context of persistent funding gaps for sustainable development and a millennial drive for “doing good.” It argues that existing federal securities laws, with their public-private divide, create regulatory loopholes that allow privileged investors to obscure negative externalities and exclusively profit from community pain, especially exacerbated by crises like COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement.
  • Blog

Using Data Science to Combat Poverty

  • Source : Newswise
  • 1 October 2021
This article presents how researchers at Empa are applying data science to fight poverty. By analysing complex socio-economic indicators and geospatial data, their models identify hidden patterns of deprivation and inform targeted interventions. The blog emphasises the importance of accurate, disaggregated data to design inclusive social policies and resource allocations. It showcases real-world examples of how data can support governments and organisations in anticipating needs, directing funding, and evaluating programme outcomes for poverty reduction.
  • Case Study

India’s Social Stock Exchange (isse) – a 360° Analysis – Today’s Commitment for Tomorrow’s Action

  • Source : Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, 3:2, 95-110,
  • 1 January 2022
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of India’s Social Stock Exchange (ISSE), examining its potential to facilitate social financing and sustainable development. It delves into the roles of For-Profit Enterprises (FPEs) and Not-for-Profit Organizations (NPOs) within this framework. The authors explore how the ISSE aims to bridge the funding gap for social enterprises, enabling them to raise capital while maintaining accountability for their social impact, contributing to the broader agenda of sustainable development.
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