Decades of top-down aid and development policies have failed to address global inequity and grinding poverty for billions of world citizens. Our international development research is pioneering a different approach which we call ‘inclusive innovation’.

We are involving poor and marginalised people in developing their own solutions, and working with them to bring about a fairer and sustainable world.

Our research in this field reflects the OU’s commitment to educational opportunity and social justice.

Research specialisms

Health, Innovation and Equity

Innovation profoundly affects health systems and access to care. We are investigating the links between innovation and health equity.

Infrastructures for Inclusion

Infrastructure demands are key to inclusive development. So how do we make sure no-one is excluded?

Agri-food, Bio-energy and Green-tech

Transition to a low-carbon economy is not a simple matter of finding the 'best' technologies. 

Theorising Capabilities and Innovation

Human well-being is about more than income. It's about opportunities, what people can be and do – and how innovation affects this.

Finance, Innovation and Equity

Innovation is the fundamental engine of growth, employment and quality of life. How can we ensure its advantages are more evenly distributed?

Education for Inclusive Development

Transforming education is crucial to meeting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. We are investigating innovations to increase participation in learning.

Migration and Forced Displacement

Migration and forced displacement are among today's most pressing global challenges. Our research focuses on mobility, skills and development, integration and citizenship.