Our theory of change addresses two problems we see in the world:
Limited evidence exists on what works to help people living in poverty, and the evidence that does exist often goes unused. This leads to programs that are either ineffective or not as effective as they could be, and often to wasted money and enduring poverty.
IPA exists to solve these problems. We test promising ideas across contexts and along the path to scale, proactively engage key decision-makers throughout the research process, share findings with the right people at the right time, and equip partners with the skills and tools they need to use data and evidence. Our vision? A world with more evidence and less poverty.
Rigorous Research
The credibility of field research hinges on the quality of the data and methods used. IPA has built a robust infrastructure to ensure that all fieldwork follows rigorous protocols and uses the most cost-effective, innovative methods to get the job done.
Sectoral Expertise
IPA’s experts engage with researchers, implementers, and policymakers to identify the most important policy-relevant knowledge gaps, develop research projects addressing those gaps, and share the resulting evidence with decision-makers.
Research Funding
IPA designs and manages research funds across a range of thematic topics to generate policy-relevant research and expand the network of researchers focused on those topics.
Research Collaboration Initiative
IPA is expanding our research network and strengthening partnerships with researchers and institutions in the countries where we operate.
Policy Influence
Our strategy for influencing policymaking is informed by policymakers’ most pressing questions and uses a toolkit that goes beyond impact evaluations, putting local researchers and decision-makers at the center.
Scaling What Works
IPA identifies, advances, and supports promising evidence-based programs to reach impact on a larger scale.
Embedded Labs
Embedded Labs work to institutionalize the use of data and evidence in public policy. Working within government units, labs carry out activities that embed regular evidence use into the policy process.
Poverty Measurement
How can we assess whether a household is below a nation’s poverty line without a two-hour survey? IPA’s Poverty Probability Index uses a sophisticated methodology that makes it possible to assess poverty probability with just ten questions.
Right-Fit Evidence
IPA's Right-Fit Evidence Unit is an advisory team supporting funders, NGOs, social businesses, and governments on how to use data and evidence better to learn, adapt, and increase their programs' effectiveness.
