Benjamin Kumpf

What do you research?

My current work at the OECD entails research but it not limited to it. Together with my team, the OECD Innovation for Development Facility, we generate new insights, we convene innovation leads from member organisations of the OECD Development Assistance Committee for peer learning and we develop and deliver advisory services. We focus on innovation management: how development funders can innovate to help drive internal reforms to remain relevant. And we work on how funders can support inclusive change processes in low and middle-income countries by leveraging innovation. Our main areas of focus are locally led innovation, mission-oriented innovation and scaling.

Why is it so important?

The Sustainable Development Goals have garnered remarkable momentum across the globe, providing a framework for thinking and acting on the world’s most urgent challenges. Since they were agreed there has been growing recognition that more, and better, innovation will be needed if they are to be achieved. While there are many examples of innovation that changed people’s lives for the better, much of the investments in innovation for development have not resulted in the envisaged impact at scale. There is a need to understand better what works where.

A project you are proud of?

In late 2024, we finalised a policy guidance for development funders on scaling. It was approved by the members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee. This guidance by itself will not change much, if anything at all. But it can be used as a potentially powerful tool. By experts working within funder organisations to advance internal reforms, and by people working in implementing organisations that receive funding. To engage funders in difficult and productive conversations related to time-horizons, realistic business models, political differences and demand in partner countries, among others.

Updated January 2025

Through his participation in Policy Fellowship 2024-2025, Benjamin will be working with Mikkel Rueskov Guldberg, head of the office of competition and new technology in the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs.