Private Enterprise Development in Low-Income Countries Programme Launches Major Research Grants

The Private Enterprise Development in Low-Income Countries (PEDL) programme funds research that aims to better understand what determines the strength of market forces driving efficiency in Low-Income Countries (LICs). Existing research suggests that the private sector in LICs faces a multitude of constraints that act upon each other. However, further research is needed to allow us to understand how these constraints interact.

PEDL supports approaches that will produce credible research results that are relevant for policy-making. Research related to private enterprises of all sizes is eligible.

The programme is focused on the following four research themes:

1. Market frictions, management and organisations

2. Trade and macro models – agglomeration and spatial location of firms

3. High growth entrepreneurship

4. Social compliance and the environment

Research proposals should focus on one or more of these themes. Proposals that address the cross-cutting issues of gender; fragile and conflict-affected states; and unlocking data for understanding markets and firms are encouraged, as are projects that consider the exclusions/barriers faced by people with disabilities as a component of the research.

Applications are made by institutions and organisations, such as universities. Joint proposals from consortia of institutions will be considered with one lead institution and one Principal Investigator.

Major Research Grants have an average grant size of £300,000. There is a lower limit of £100,000 for each Major Grant; however, there is no upper limit. Cost effectiveness and value for money will be important evaluation criteria.

Grants will fund research assistance, data collection and new surveys in low-income countries, and (if necessary) teaching buyouts for the principal investigator.

An important criteria for funding of proposals is the relevance to policy in Low-Income Countries and other elegible countries as defined by the PEDL Programme. A list of the eligible low-income countries is available on the PEDL website.

A new Call for Major Research Grant proposals is now open with a deadline of 15 June 2019, 11.59pm GMT.

More information about this research funding opportunity and the application process is available on the RESEARCHconnect funding information platform. RESEARCHconnect provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on research funding news and policy. To find out more about how RESEARCHconnect can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.