This report explores the growing contribution of ICTs to government services, financial services, education, health, climate change adaptation and agriculture. It also examines two cross-cutting themes: regional trade and integration, and ICT competitiveness.This summary focuses on the chapter ‘Modernizing Government through ICT’. The chapter sets out a three-tier framework for ...» more
Library
This e-library contains more than 4500 external publications on governance, social development, conflict and humanitarian issues. It includes academic and grey literature selected for its basis in good quality research and coverage of a range of perspectives. Policy-oriented summaries of each document are provided, plus links to the full text.
The Politics of What Works in Service Delivery: An evidence-based review
Important conceptual advances in understanding the politics of basic service delivery have centered on the role of actors, incentives and institutions in enabling or constraining reform. However, empirical research exploring how different forms of politics impact on service outcomes remains limited and fragmented, leaving little scope for systematic analysis or policy uptake. ...» more
Approaches to Conducting Political Economy Analysis in the Urban Water Sector
This report provides guidance on conducting political economy analysis in the urban water sector, highlighting lessons from case studies. The cases span successful reforms, such as in Chile and Senegal; reforms where the results are still incomplete or have not been replicated, such as Ghana and Panama; and those where reforms are pending, such as Pakistan. The paper identifies ...» more
A Gendered Analysis of Decentralisation Reform in Cambodia
This study examines the extent to which democratic devolution has opened space for women to engage in (local) politics. It investigates women's representation in the commune councils; and women's articulation and exercise of power as local politicians. The study finds that decentralisation reforms have opened a space for women to achieve a greater presence in local politics. ...» more
On Norms and Agency: Conversations about Gender Equality with Women and Men in 20 Countries
This report draws on conversations with 4,000 men and women from 20 countries about the effects of gender differences and inequalities on their lives, focusing on persistent social norms and their impact on agency. It finds that, while significant progress has been made on gender equality in many places, gender disparities are still evident, particularly regarding empowerment ...» more