International development cooperation

Aid effectiveness has been intensively (and inconclusively) debated ever since the first strong criticism was published in the mid-1980s. By focusing on the sector level and on different types and modalities of aid rather than on general economic development, we attempt to reduce the level of complexity and to add some new insights to this debate.

Moreover, we apply public choice analysis to examine aid-related decision making processes. In this context, we look at both, developing countries, and bi- or multilateral donors. Providing insight into the different channels of influence by interested actors and deriving institutional conditions conducive to effective aid may help to allocate aid more efficiently in the future.

In the media:

Development aid to whose benefit? (German / French / Italian only)

For more details and data specifically on our research on aid related trust funds, see below:

Multi-bi aid platform