How think tanks can help build the impact investing ecosystem?
This practice paper is inspired by the learnings of a two-year project carried out in partnership with GSG Impact. The paper shares reflections and lessons from a collaborative venture between our National Partners in Colombia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Peru alongside their local think tank partners within their respective country contexts.
The paper explores these insights specifically from the perspective of the think tank partner, to complement publications from GSG Impact that focus on the project’s lessons for GSG National Partners and other industry actors.
The project is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and involves On Think Tanks and the consultancy firm IMPACTO in a learning partner capacity. These collaborations have advanced local impact investing landscapes and contributed to global knowledge sharing..
What role do think tanks play in the impact investing ecosystem?
How can think tanks help overcome challenges in the impact investing sector?
How do think tanks contribute to policy initiatives and systemic change in impact investing?
What are the benefits of evidence-based research in impact investing?
How can National Partners benefit from partnerships with local think tanks?
How can think tanks support investor confidence and transparency in impact investing?
Sophie Gillespie
On Think Tanks
Author
Julie LaFrance
Independent Consultant
Author
Kirsten Andersen
Independent Researcher
Author
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Louise Ball
On Think Tanks
Contributor
Paul Gillespie
Giving is Good
Contributor
Carolina Robino
IDRC
Contributor
Publication Enquiries
info@onthinktanks.org
A guide for Development Finance institutions (DFIs) and all practitioners wanting to increase the flow of capital to SMEs in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).
Outcomes of the 2025 GSG Global Leadership Meeting in Kyoto, Japan, where 136 impact leaders from 45 countries gathered to advance the impact economy. It details key discussions, new resources launched, and actionable strategies developed for mobilising capital, financing SMEs, influencing government policy, and improving impact transparency.
The report offers impact economy ecosystem analysis on impact progress in 34 countries with cross-cutting insights. What's unique is that it offers more than market sizing data; it explains how countries are redesigning for impact through policy and practices, building the infrastructure and incentives for impact economies. This includes tracking government actions, market building, impact capital supply, impact capital demand, and contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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