• Paper / Report

Development Finance Institutions Come of Age

  • Source : Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
  • 1 January 2016
This report argues that Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) have reached maturity, emphasizing their critical role in global development finance. It examines their evolving policy frameworks, governance structures, and increasing engagement with blended finance mechanisms. The authors highlight how DFIs leverage public funds to mobilise private capital, contributing significantly to achieving development goals. The report provides insights into their enhanced capacity and influence in shaping international development cooperation.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Data Science and Analytics in Agricultural Development

  • Source : ResearchGate
  • 1 January 2021
This article examines the applications of data science and analytics in agriculture, focusing on how emerging technologies help improve crop yield, soil health, and farming efficiency. It explores tools such as satellite data, sensors, machine learning algorithms, and real-time decision systems to support precision farming. The paper also underscores the importance of farmer-centric data models and institutional collaborations to scale innovations sustainably. The authors suggest data-driven agriculture can significantly transform rural livelihoods, productivity, and resilience against climate change.
  • Blog

Can Big Data Predict Marriage Success Rates?

  • Source : Larry Alton
  • 1 May 2018
This Datafloq article explores whether big data and predictive analytics can forecast marriage success. It discusses the collection of large longitudinal data sets, including social media patterns, personality assessments, and demographic factors. The article explains how machine-learning models, such as logistic regression and neural networks, can estimate probabilities of long-term marital stability. It also touches on limitations: human relationships’ complexity, cultural variation, and ethical concerns like privacy and algorithmic bias. While algorithms can detect patterns, the article notes that marriage outcomes remain uncertain, and data tools should supplement, not replace, personal judgment.
  • Framework / Toolkit / App

Creating a Truly “social” Stock Exchange -framework Study of Seven Global Exchanges and India’s Proposed Social Stock Exchange

  • Source : International Centre for Non-for-profit law and Samhita
  • 1 January 2021
This framework study analyses the design and implementation mechanisms of existing global social stock exchanges and provides recommendations for India’s proposed Social Stock Exchange (SSE). It explores how an SSE can serve as a viable platform for social enterprises to raise capital, focusing on stakeholder engagement and effective governance. The report aims to establish a robust framework that supports the growth of the social sector by fostering transparency, accountability, and efficient resource allocation through a dedicated stock exchange.
  • Blog

Data Science and Clean Energy

  • Source : Discover Data Science
  • 23 July 2025
This blog outlines the intersection of data science and the clean energy sector, showing how advanced analytics, machine learning, and real-time monitoring support renewable energy transition. It explores how data is used to manage grid reliability, predict energy demand, optimise energy storage, and detect faults in infrastructure. The post also illustrates case studies where AI-based solutions have improved efficiency and sustainability. It advocates for data-driven strategies to tackle global energy challenges and foster climate action.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Contracts with Benefits: the Implementation of Impact Investing

  • Source : Journal of Financial Economics
  • 1 January 2018
This article investigates the contractual structures and governance mechanisms employed in impact investing. It analyses how these contracts are designed to balance financial returns with social or environmental benefits, and the implications for policy and implementation. The authors delve into the specific terms and conditions that aim to align the interests of various stakeholders in impact investment deals, exploring how these agreements address the inherent complexities of achieving dual objectives.
  • Blog

Biodiversity Monitoring and Forecasting

  • Source : Alan Turing Institute
  • 23 July 2025
This resource discusses how big data is used in biodiversity monitoring and forecasting. It highlights the potential of data-driven approaches to track changes in ecosystems, predict biodiversity trends, and inform conservation efforts. By integrating machine learning and big data analytics, researchers and organizations can develop strategies to protect endangered species and maintain biodiversity. This article also emphasizes the role of technology in providing actionable insights to address the environmental challenges of the 21st century.
  • Case Study

Blended Finance Funds and Facilities: 2020 Survey Results

  • Source : OECD
  • 1 June 2022
This report presents the detailed results of a 2020 survey of blended finance funds and facilities. It provides a comprehensive analysis of their investment strategies, financial structures, geographic and sectoral focus, and development impact management and measurement systems. The study covers a diverse range of institutions, offering deep insights into current market trends and practices. It highlights how these specialised vehicles are structured to mobilise private capital for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides data on their performance, risk mitigation techniques, and contributions to sustainable development.
  • Case Study

Blended Finance -what It Is, How It Works and How It is Used

  • Source : Oxfam
  • 1 February 2017
This briefing provides a critical perspective on blended finance, examining its mechanisms and implications for sustainable development. While acknowledging its potential to mobilise private capital, the report raises significant concerns about its effectiveness and risks to the world’s poorest. It warns that blended finance initiatives may create harmful subsidies, fail to reach those most in need, and often lack transparency and accountability. The paper recommends that development goals must drive these initiatives, calling for strong safeguards, alignment with country priorities, and robust development impact measurement frameworks.
  • Case Study

Barclays Sustainable Finance Framework

  • Source : Barclays
  • 1 February 2021
This framework details Barclays’ comprehensive approach to sustainable finance, outlining the governance, eligibility criteria, and reporting standards for its green, social, and sustainability bonds. It clearly defines eligible asset categories, including renewable energy, green buildings, and access to essential services, carefully aligning them with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The document specifies the internal process for project evaluation, management of proceeds, and detailed impact reporting, thereby providing crucial transparency to investors and other stakeholders. It serves as a strategic blueprint for integrating ESG considerations into the bank’s core financing activities.
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