Research & Publications
Practitioner-generated insights from the frontlines of development—whitepapers, policy briefs, implementation playbooks, and case studies that bridge the gap between theory and execution.
Knowledge for Action
WDC research is not academic in orientation. Every publication is designed to inform action—whether by policymakers designing reforms, executives planning investments, or practitioners implementing programs.
Our knowledge products draw directly from WDC mandates and engagements, translating frontline experience into structured insights that can be applied across contexts.
Practitioner-Generated
Written by professionals who have designed and delivered programs
Implementation-Focused
Designed to inform decisions and guide execution
Cross-Context Insights
Comparative analysis across countries and sectors
Publication Types
Sectoral Whitepapers
Comprehensive analyses of development challenges and opportunities within WDC's ten sectoral verticals. Deep dives into trends, best practices, and strategic recommendations.
Policy Briefs
Concise, actionable analyses of specific policy questions. Designed for busy decision-makers who need clear recommendations backed by evidence.
Implementation Playbooks
Step-by-step guides for executing specific types of reforms or programs. Includes templates, checklists, and lessons learned from real implementations.
Case Studies
Detailed examinations of specific programs, reforms, or interventions—what worked, what didn't, and why. Real-world lessons for practitioners.
Featured Publications
Digital Public Infrastructure: Lessons from India's Stack for Emerging Economies
A comprehensive analysis of India's Digital Public Infrastructure journey—Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker—with actionable lessons for countries seeking to build their own DPI ecosystems.
Download PDFClimate Finance Gaps in South Asia: Bridging the $200 Billion Deficit
Analysis of climate finance flows to South Asia and mechanisms to unlock additional capital for adaptation and mitigation.
DownloadRwanda's Health System Transformation: A Decade of Progress
How Rwanda rebuilt its health system from the ground up, achieving universal coverage and becoming a model for the continent.
DownloadSpecial Economic Zone Design: A Practitioner's Guide
Step-by-step guide to designing, establishing, and operating successful SEZs, drawing on global best practices.
DownloadAgricultural Value Chains in Africa: Opportunities for Transformation
Analysis of agricultural value chain bottlenecks and intervention points for improving farmer incomes and food security.
DownloadSkilling for the Future: Workforce Development in the Age of AI
How education and training systems must evolve to prepare workers for an AI-transformed economy.
DownloadPort Modernization in Gujarat: India's Gateway to the World
How Gujarat transformed its port infrastructure to become India's largest maritime hub, and lessons for other states.
DownloadResearch Areas
Health & Life Sciences
12 publicationsAgriculture & Food Systems
9 publicationsAquaculture & Blue Economy
6 publicationsManufacturing & Industrial Development
8 publicationsSEZ & Industrial Parks
7 publicationsEnergy, Climate & Sustainability
14 publicationsDigital Public Infrastructure & GovTech
11 publicationsInfrastructure, Logistics & Urban Development
10 publicationsEducation, Skills & Workforce
8 publicationsFinance, Capital Markets & Investment
13 publicationsIndices & Datasets
WDC develops proprietary indices and datasets that track development progress and inform strategic decisions.
Development Execution Index
Annual ranking of countries on their ability to convert policy intent into measurable outcomes across key development indicators.
Explore IndexSEZ Performance Tracker
Comparative data on special economic zones globally—investment attraction, job creation, export performance, and governance quality.
Access DataClimate Investment Flows Database
Tracking climate finance flows to emerging and developing economies—sources, instruments, sectors, and geographies.
Access DataResearch Partnerships
WDC collaborates with leading research institutions, universities, and think tanks to produce rigorous, policy-relevant research.
- Co-authored Research: Joint publications with academic and research institutions
- Data Partnerships: Access to WDC datasets for academic research
- Commissioned Research: Bespoke research for governments and institutions
- Research Fellowships: Visiting researcher positions at WDC
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