The DFID-ESRC Growth Research Programme (DEGRP) funds world class scientific research on issues relating to economic growth in low-income countries (LICs), with high potential for impact on policy and practice. The programme’s research currently focuses on three themes: agriculture, finance and innovation.

This knowledge paper discusses issues the programme will consider within the innovation theme and reflects on how the programme links to relevant policy debates. The paper highlights the potential relevance of current DEGRP research projects in relation to the innovation theme (six successful projects from the first call are classified under innovation) and results are expected to become available in coming months and years.