NSBSA Research and Innovation

Building Evidence.
Creating Insight.
Driving Innovation.

NSBSA uses evidence-based research, practical insights and innovation to support inclusive economic development and stronger development programmes.

Evidence-based research and development insights

Turning evidence into stronger development decisions.

Strong development programmes depend on a clear understanding of communities, enterprises, markets and the challenges people experience.

NSBSA's Research & Innovation programme brings together research, insight and innovative thinking to strengthen inclusive economic development.

Evidence Build stronger understanding.
Insights Turn information into knowledge.
Innovation Explore better development approaches.
Impact Support stronger decision-making.

Evidence, insight and innovation for development.

Research and learning can help organisations better understand development challenges and identify stronger pathways forward.

01

Evidence-Based Research

Developing stronger understanding through structured research and evidence gathering.

02

Development Insights

Turning research and programme learning into useful insights for better decision-making.

03

Innovation

Exploring practical ideas and approaches that can strengthen inclusive economic development.

From development questions to practical insight.

Research initiatives can be structured according to the needs, objectives and context of each programme or partnership.

01
Understand

Define the Development Question

Identify the issue, opportunity or knowledge gap that needs to be understood.

02
Explore

Gather Evidence

Build relevant information and evidence around the development context.

03
Analyse

Develop Insights

Interpret evidence to identify useful patterns, lessons and development insights.

04
Innovate

Explore Solutions

Use learning to consider practical approaches and new possibilities.

05
Apply

Support Better Decisions

Use research and insight to strengthen development planning and implementation.

Research that can strengthen wider development programmes.

Research and insight can support learning across NSBSA's broader socio-economic development work.

01

Enterprise Development

Understanding enterprise challenges, development needs and growth opportunities.

02

Financial Inclusion

Building greater understanding of financial participation and community resilience.

03

Skills Development

Exploring capability gaps and opportunities for relevant learning interventions.

04

Community Development

Understanding local needs, participation and community development opportunities.

Research insights and knowledge

Making research useful and accessible.

Research creates greater value when findings can inform programmes, partnerships and practical development decisions.

01

Research Findings

Evidence and findings from approved research initiatives.

02

Development Insights

Practical learning that can strengthen programme planning.

03

Knowledge Resources

Research-based resources can be published as they are approved.

Explore Resources
Innovation supporting inclusive development

Using learning to explore better ways forward.

Innovation creates an opportunity to use evidence and programme learning to explore practical, responsive and more effective development approaches.

Understand Identify real development needs
Explore Consider new approaches
Improve Strengthen programme thinking
Discuss a Research Project

Building knowledge through strategic collaboration.

Research partnerships can bring together different perspectives, experience and development priorities.

01

Government & SOEs

02

SETAs & DFIs

03

Municipalities

04

Traditional Councils

05

NGOs

06

Corporate CSI

Partner with NSBSA on research and innovation.

Collaborate with NSBSA on evidence-based research, development insights and innovation supporting inclusive economic participation.

Research & Innovation

Have a research or development challenge to explore?

Connect with NSBSA to discuss research, development insights and innovation opportunities.