Building Development Systems Communities Can Trust
The Global Development Institute is a digital-first think tank. We build reliable, interpretable, and scalable development solutions for the 21st century.
Our Purpose
We believe development works best when it is locally led, grounded in evidence, and powered by technology that expands—rather than replaces—human capability. Our mission is to create the tools, systems, and evidence base that enable communities to lead their own development outcomes.
Evidence-based development
Research grounded in rigorous data analysis and empirical evidence to develop effective development interventions. We analyze patterns in social, economic, and environmental data to understand what works in different contexts and why.
Community-centered approach
We believe that development research is most effective when it centers on community needs and voices. Our approach prioritizes local knowledge, participatory methods, and solutions that are culturally appropriate and sustainable for the communities we serve.
Impact measurement and evaluation
We critically evaluate the real-world impact of development interventions. Our approach centers on building robust measurement frameworks to assess social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
Collaborative, interdisciplinary research
We value collaboration across disciplines and sectors. Our research teams include diverse experts—researchers, community leaders, policy makers, and practitioners—working together to address complex development challenges. We also partner with local organizations, governments, and international institutions to ensure our work has real-world impact and relevance.
Core areas
We're a team of researchers, practitioners, policy experts and operational leaders, with experience spanning a variety of disciplines, all working together to build reliable and sustainable development systems.
Evidence → Action
We conduct research and convert insights into practical frameworks that partners can use immediately.
What this includes:
- Data analysis and empirical research
- Monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems
- Social impact assessments and community metrics
- Evidence-based decision models for local governments, NGOs, and funders
- Guidance documents, playbooks, and applied development tools
Our focus is not just understanding what works, but ensuring that evidence is accessible and actionable for the people implementing solutions on the ground.
Locally Led Development
We prioritize community voice, contextual understanding, and participatory design. Development moves fastest when it moves with local leadership.
Our approach:
- Co-design workshops and participatory research
- Cultural, political, and social systems mapping
- Community advisory groups
- Localization of digital tools and frameworks
- Capacity-building and skill transfer mechanisms
Every project begins with the community and builds outward from local strengths, not donor priorities.
Technology for Development
Technology is a tool and not the solution itself. We build and deploy digital systems that expand access, increase accountability, and strengthen local institutions.
This includes:
- AI-enabled decision support tools
- Data platforms and dashboards
- Digital public goods
- Mobile-first community engagement tools
- Ethical and responsible AI frameworks
- Climate- and sustainability-informed digital infrastructure
We emphasize transparency, usability, and design that respects local contexts and planetary boundaries.
Agile Implementation & Global Consulting Network
Development challenges require speed, adaptability, and teams that know how to execute.
What we offer:
- Technical assistance and implementation support
- Rapid prototyping and pilot management
- Cross-country project coordination
- Operational design and systems strengthening
- Access to a global network of 500+ practitioners across disciplines
Our consulting network connects organizations with experts in climate resilience, digital inclusion, migration, education, humanitarian response, policy development, and more.
What we value
and how we act
Every day, we make choices that shape the future of global development. Reinventing systems that people can trust — and empowering local actors to lead change — is both a responsibility and a privilege.
Our values guide how we work together, how we partner with others, and how we deliver on our mission to build a faster, smarter, and more sustainable model of development.
Act for Local and Global Good
We measure success by durability and trust and not just reach. Our work strengthens local systems while contributing to shared global progress.
Bridge Evidence and Action
Research only matters when it improves lives. We rapidly translate insights into practical tools, learning and adapting as we go.
Empower Through Partnership
Communities, funders, researchers, technologists, and practitioners shape our work together. Collaboration is not a strategy—it's our default mode.
Build Technology with Purpose
We emphasize usability, transparency, and accessibility. Digital tools must be ethical, interpretable, and anchored in human need.
Learn Fast, Iterate Smart
We move with urgency but avoid unnecessary complexity. The simplest solution that works today is better than the perfect solution that never ships.
Be Kind, Candid, and Accountable
We communicate honestly, assume good intent, and take responsibility for our actions. A culture of humility and learning drives better outcomes.
Put the Mission First
Our North Star is simple: strengthen development systems and empower local actors. When decisions are hard, we choose the path that best serves that mission.
Founder Members
Founder
Yagana Hafed holds a PhD in Innovation in Global Development from Arizona State University, where her research centered on inclusive, community-driven approaches to sustainable development. She previously served as a CARE Case Manager with the U.S. Department of State, bringing humanitarian field...see more
Founder
Tom Marentette has been with the University of Notre Dame since 1997, currently serving as Director of Enterprise Architecture. He is responsible for creating a holistic, integrated, and forward-thinking IT architecture that supports the university's mission of world-class research, teaching, and...see more
Founder
Jaclyn is a product engineering leader, founder, and international development practitioner whose career spans democratic strengthening, environmental conservation, and community-driven technology across Latin America and beyond. She brings deep technical expertise, startup-building experience, and...see more
Founder
Matthew Mills brings nearly twenty-five years of leadership experience bridging international development and technology innovation. Mr. Mills consistently delivers solutions that create measurable impact for communities and organizations of all sizes. He holds a Master's degree in Technology...see more
Founder
Libbie is a development professional with expertise in monitoring and evaluation, research design, and data-driven program improvement across academic, nonprofit, and international settings. Experienced in building M&E frameworks, conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis, and translating...see more
Founder
Greg Woodhead is a global workforce, HR technology, and development practitioner with experience spanning refugee resettlement, international HR systems, and cross-border organizational operations. He began his career with the International Rescue Committee in Phoenix and Boise, supporting refugee...see more
Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees
Dr. Gary M. Grossman, Professor Emeritus in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society (SFIS) at Arizona State University (ASU) offers more than four decades of experience in global development theory and practice. With a focus on leveraging social institutions, Dr. Grossman has conducted...see more
Advisors
Advisor
Manuel Gutierrez is an operations and safety specialist with a strong foundation in technology, logistics, and global development. He holds a Master of Science in Global Technology and Development and an MBA, combining academic insight with more than a decade of hands-on experience in engineering,...see more
Advisor
Christopher J. Barton is a seasoned leader in global development and cross-cultural teams, known for bridging analytical thinking with practical action. He brings a proven track-record of guiding complex, international initiatives from strategy through execution, and effectively communicating ideas...see more
Advisor
Veronika is a compliance and legal technology specialist with a background in global development and organizational governance. As Director of Compliance and Legal Technology at California Indian Legal Services, she leads efforts to strengthen ethical standards and modernize legal systems that...see more
Advisor
Ryan Watling is a global development practitioner and educator with a deep interest in how technology and policy intersect to improve outcomes in underserved communities. A returned Peace Corps Volunteer and recent MSc graduate from Arizona State University's School for the Future of Innovation in...see more
Advisor
Nedim Yel, PhD, is a data scientist and statistician dedicated to transforming large-scale quantitative data into meaningful insights. With a doctoral focus in measurement, statistics and methodological studies from Arizona State University, he applies advanced techniques — including Bayesian...see more