In this section, you will find the latest research, analysis, and commentary on key policy issues facing our society today. Our team of experts work tirelessly to produce evidence-based policy solutions that can help shape a better future for all.
Our policy development work covers a range of topics, including economic growth, social welfare, environmental sustainability, public health, and more. We draw on a range of research methods, including quantitative and qualitative analysis, case studies, and best practices from around the world. Our team also works closely with stakeholders across various sectors to understand their needs and perspectives, and to ensure that our policy recommendations are grounded in practical realities.
In this section, you will find a range of policy briefs, reports, and analysis papers that provide insights into our policy research. We invite you to explore our work, engage with our experts, and provide feedback on our policy recommendations. We believe that policymaking is a collaborative and iterative process, and we are committed to working with stakeholders to shape policies that meet their needs and aspirations.
Whether you are a policymaker, a civil society leader, a business executive, or a concerned citizen, we hope that our policy development work will inspire and inform you. We believe that by working together, we can create policies that promote greater equity, sustainability, and prosperity for all.
In addition to policy briefs and reports, we also produce in-depth research papers, white papers, and issue briefs that provide more detailed analysis of key policy challenges. Our team also contributes regularly to academic journals, policy forums, and other publications to share our insights with a broader audience.
At DI, we believe in the power of interdisciplinary collaboration to generate new insights and innovative policy solutions. We bring together experts from a range of fields, including economics, political science, sociology, public health, and environmental science, to work together on complex policy challenges. Our team also engages with policymakers, civil society leaders, and business executives through events, roundtables, and workshops to foster dialogue and build consensus around key policy issues.
We also work with partners across the globe to share knowledge and expertise, and to identify emerging policy challenges that require new solutions. Our team is active in a range of international networks and alliances, and we frequently collaborate with partners from other countries to produce joint research, host events, and share best practices.
What is a Policy?
International organizations define policy in numerous ways, depending on their area of focus and scope. Here are a few examples:
The United Nations defines policy as “a course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, business or individual” (United Nations, n.d.).
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) defines policy as “the decisions taken by a government, central bank, or other competent authority that determine the size and direction of the macroeconomic aggregates, such as output, employment, and prices” (IMF, n.d.).
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) defines policy as “a statement of intent or a course of action to achieve a desired outcome or set of outcomes” (UNDP, n.d.).
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines policy as “the deliberate course of action followed by a government or an institution to address a particular problem or set of problems” (OECD, 2019, p. 13).
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines policy as “a set of decisions, plans, and actions that are taken to achieve specific health objectives within a society” (WHO, 2016, p. 1).
These definitions highlight the importance of policies as tools for achieving specific goals and outcomes. They also underscore the role of governments and institutions in shaping policies to address societal challenges.
References:
United Nations. (n.d.). Policy. In United Nations e-Learning Programme on International Trade Law. Retrieved March 9, 2022, from https://www.un-csam.org/e-primers/trade/policy/
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (n.d.). Policy. https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/glossary/policy.html
International Monetary Fund (IMF). (n.d.). Glossary. In IMF Institute for Capacity Development. Retrieved March 9, 2022, from https://www.imf.org/external/institute/glossary.htm
OECD. (2019). What is a policy? In OECD Glossary of Key Terms in Evaluation and Results-Based Management. Retrieved March 9, 2022, from https://www.oecd.org/dac/evaluation/what-is-a-policy.htm
World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Health policy. In WHO. Retrieved March 9, 2022, from https://www.who.int/healthsystems/topics/policy/en/
DI views on Policy Development:
Policy development is a critical process of creating and implementing policies that guide decision-making and actions in a specific area of interest. It involves conducting rigorous research and analysis to identify and understand relevant issues, stakeholders, and potential solutions.
At DI, we engage in a collaborative and iterative process that considers various options and perspectives, to ultimately develop evidence-based and effective policies that address the identified issue and achieve desired outcomes. The policy development process may involve consulting with policymakers, experts, advocates, and the public to ensure that the policies developed are feasible and responsive to the needs and preferences of those affected by them.
We also recognize that policy development can occur at different levels, from local to national and even international levels, and can cover a wide range of topics. Therefore, it places great emphasis on the quality and impact of its policy development work, striving to ensure that its policies are evidence-based, innovative, and pragmatic. Through its policy development efforts, the think tank seeks to inform and influence decision-making processes and promote positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
We believe that policy development is a continuous process of learning, reflection, and adaptation. As such, we are committed to continuously monitoring the effectiveness of our policy recommendations and refining them as new data and insights emerge. We invite you to join us on this journey towards creating policies that promote greater equity, sustainability, and prosperity for all.
