Beyond Paris : 11 Innovations in Aid Effectiveness

The current framework for improving aid effectiveness, the ‘Paris’ agenda of harmonization and alignment, has been found lacking. Alternatives are needed. This paper highlights some examples of recent innovations in the management and delivery of development aid. Drawing upon Barder (2009) and Howes (2011), the paper structures 11 innovations into three categories: improving the quality of the aid donor; improving the quality of the aid recipient; and improving how donors interact and the way aid is given. By examining these 11 innovations, the paper shows that aid agencies have the potential to adapt and evolve. The challenge for donors is to start selecting good ideas for implementation now and to never stop searching for new innovations to improve aid effectiveness