This page highlights key research initiatives on aid transparency, in some cases emphasising the pivotal role of Publish What You Fund’s advocacy in advancing transparency on a global scale.

This article presents findings from three survey experiments conducted with a representative sample of 2,058 British citizens, complemented by cross-national observational data. It argues that bilateral aid agencies can bolster public support for foreign aid by improving transparency, particularly among individuals who are initially more sceptical of aid and the civil service.

Heinzel, M., Reinsberg, B., & Swedlund, H. (2024). Transparency and citizen support for public agencies: The case of foreign aid. Governance, 1–22.

Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including 150 key informant interviews, Honig and Weaver demonstrated that the Aid Transparency Index influences donor behaviour primarily through its direct impact on elites. These impacts include the diffusion of professional norms, organizational learning, and peer pressure.

Honig, D., & Weaver, C. (2019). A race to the top? The aid transparency index and the social power of global performance indicators. International Organization, 73(3), 579–610.

This article, centred on the launch of the 2014 Aid Transparency Index, explores the underlying dynamics that motivate and encourage publishers to participate in the Index process and enhance their transparency efforts.

Lucas, S. (2014). A Race to the Top: The 2014 Aid Transparency Index and Why it Matters.

Published in 2013, this landmark study by Gaventa and McGee examined the achievements to date and future potential of various Transparency and Accountability Initiatives (TAIs).

Gaventa, J., & Mcgee, R. (2013). The impact of transparency and accountability initiatives. Development Policy Review, 31(S1).

Conducted as part of a collaborative initiative between ODI, the International Budget Partnership, and Publish What You Fund, this research examines how enhanced aid transparency can contribute to improving budget transparency, strengthening the quality of budgetary decisions, and bolstering accountability systems.

Moon, S. & Williamson, T. (2010), ODI Project Briefing: Greater aid transparency: crucial for aid effectiveness

A broad range of research papers on the transparency of aid and development finance produced by Publish What You Fund is available here.