Publications glossary
The IGC’s publication types listed alphabetically, with definitions.
Principal Investigators (PIs) working on IGC-funded projects: Please refer to the IGC output guidelines on how to produce a policy brief, working paper and final report.
IGC staff member PIs: Please refer to the “Internal publications guidelines” (request from [email protected]) on producing all other IGC publication types.
A summary of IGC’s activities and achievements over the previous year. The report aims to inform stakeholders, such as donors, policymakers and the public, about the IGC’s impact and strategic direction.
A publication that is narrow in focus (particular city, country, or intervention) but geared towards highlighting key learnings and challenges that could be broadly beneficial to other contexts. It is often written with partner organisations.
A review of the latest literature and research questions in IGC’s four themes: Firms, State, Cities, and Energy and Environment. These are often written by IGC Research Programme Directors, in close consultation with IGC’s steering group and senior leadership. Evidence papers are updated as the research frontier evolves.
Ideas-based publication written in a set format around 3-5 key messages, with policy recommendations. They draw from compelling research evidence to motivate a new policy perspective.
A short, non-academic publication summarising insights from a research project to provide recommendations to policymakers around a specific policy problem – regional, national or global. The brief is written for a policy audience – it is bulleted or sectioned, and non-technical. Refer to our Policy brief guidelines on producing a policy brief.
A concise document focused on a specific policy question in a city or region for informing high-level policymaker(s) attending meetings. It can present relevant aspects of a policy brief, note, or toolkit. The policy memo prioritises brevity, flexibility, and responsiveness.
A policymaker-oriented publication, pulling insights from wider research to respond to or comment on a specific policy question. It may draw on existing literature, present new data and analysis, or include brief case studies and other components depending on policymaker needs.
A policymaker-oriented publication, usually led by an IGC policy initiative, designed to provide actionable guidance on a specific policy question through research and practitioner insights. It may include a slide deck or digital components for sharing with policymakers. The policy toolkit emphasises practical implementation - actions for policymakers to take based on the
policy challenges they might face, as opposed to the ideas presented in policy briefs or notes.
A comprehensive document submitted at the conclusion of a research project, summarising its findings, progress, and outcomes. Refer to our Final report guidelines on producing a final report.
This publication lays down frontier research questions and growth policy challenges that will be the focus of IGC’s coming research under its four themes: Firms, State, Cities, and Energy and Environment. It is a summary of the four latest Evidence Papers, revised by IGC’s Research Programme Directors ahead of a new call for proposals.
A publication exploring policy issues and research questions in depth, often serving as a foundation for further study. Synthesis papers involve extensive policy analysis, literature review, and consultation with academics and/or practitioners.
A publication unpacking a case in which IGC research has had significant policy and academic impact. It identifies the conditions that enable change, providing insights for IGC stakeholders and strengthening understanding of the IGC’s role in advancing evidence-based policy research.
A preliminary version of a research journal publication that is in the process of being reviewed and refined. Used to contribute to a research field before the research results are finalised.