Economic and social development
Sustainable growth goes hand in hand with improved employment opportunities and higher pay for workers, better environmental protection and reduced exposure to the impacts of climate change, and greater social inclusion — with particular focus on women and marginalized communities.
The foundations for this sustainable growth lie in establishing supportive policies and implementing effective regulation. We are trusted partners to governments and businesses that drive green, inclusive, and export-led growth which fully aligns with our purpose as a business.
What can we do for you?
We plan, design, and deliver transformational economic and social development programs across Asia and Africa. We combine deep country knowledge with broad technical and advisory expertise, helping national governments, international funders, and private-sector partners.
Integrated economic planning
Multidisciplinary teams can identify the building blocks to make your economic development programs a success. A coordinated cross-sector approach can remove systemic barriers to growth by strengthening infrastructure, improving access to finance and support services, developing policy and regulatory frameworks, and building capacity to use new technologies.
Private-sector development
Our economic development experts give national and local governments the support they need to create business-friendly environments — addressing company registration, taxation, and banking, for example. And we advise small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on how to scale their businesses, including targeted support for women entrepreneurs.
Build partnerships
We develop business support services that help SMEs become investment ready, access local and international growth finance, and attract green funding. Our global market knowledge and connections can link SMEs into global value chains. We also bring together governments, investors, and communities to develop special economic zones and industrial corridors to create better job opportunities and increase incomes.
Social inclusion
Our local country knowledge helps to drive inclusive growth, spreading the benefits of development along supply chains and across society. Encouraging local businesses to serve the needs of their communities and create jobs for local people, particularly women, drives economic empowerment and sustainable growth.
Energy security and resource efficiency program, Somaliland. We managed a UK aid program called Energy Security and Resource Efficiency in Somaliland, which was set up to improve access to affordable electricity for vulnerable communities through the promotion of renewable energy.
Engineering economic and social development for global impact
Our global experts combined with local leadership and delivery teams can help you to test and scale up initiatives aimed at promoting responsible and inclusive growth and supporting countries at a critical phase in their economic and social development.
Our experience
We manage major economic and social development programs aimed at removing barriers to growth and reducing poverty in low- and middle-income countries, including:
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BIM Pathfinder Program, internationallyWe supported the UK-aid-funded BIM Pathfinder Program to promote the adoption of building information modeling, which improves the performance, sustainability, and climate resilience of key infrastructure assets.
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Business Partnerships for the Global Goals, Asia and AfricaWe managed this program that tested and scaled responsible and inclusive business initiatives, aimed at making supply chains more transparent and resilient. It was supported with a combination of UK aid funding and private-sector contributions.
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Earthquake recovery program, NepalWe implemented this program, known as Purnima, through UK aid to the government of Nepal. It established a more systematic way of tackling socioeconomic and climatic risks to help Nepal end a cycle of crises and create a more stable footing for growth.
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Energy security and resource efficiency program, SomalilandWe managed a UK aid program called Energy Security and Resource Efficiency in Somaliland, which was set up to improve access to affordable electricity for vulnerable communities through the promotion of renewable energy.
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Flight Works Alabama, USAWe provided design and construction oversight for Flight Works Alabama, an innovative learning center located near the landmark Airbus Final Assembly Line. Flight Works Alabama offers excitement, learning, and workforce opportunities. It features an interactive exhibition area, classrooms, a collaboration room, a workshop, a restaurant, and a gift shop.
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Green Cities and Infrastructure Program, internationallyWe are a key infrastructure partner on this £100 million program, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, to support green cities and deliver high-quality, climate-resilient infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries.
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Piedmont Improvement Program, North Carolina, USAWe were retained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation as a prime, responsible for program management and construction oversight. Improvements helped bring about more opportunities for businesses and freight partners. Additionally, safety and efficiency on the tracks allow freight railroads to get more goods to communities in the state to bring about job growth and economic development.
People and Planet
People and Planet demonstrates and quantifies social and environmental outcomes. It combines publicly available data with project data to assess social and environmental factors alongside project priorities. Risks and opportunities are displayed on maps and dashboards, empowering decisions that create long-term benefits for people and the planet.