Inclusive Infrastructure - Global Infrastructure hub / Overview

Overview

A summary of the objectives and scope of the tool, and the Action Areas, as well as topics that could be explored further

Jump to
Context
Objectives
Audience
Scope
Structure
Defining Inclusive Infrastructure
The Framework for Inclusive Infrastructure
Summary of Action Areas
Conclusion
Areas for further development

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Context

Many countries are looking for ways to ensure that every member of society has the chance to benefit from economic growth. As part of this, they are examining the role that infrastructure has in achieving that goal.

Inclusivity in infrastructure is quickly becoming a key consideration for many governments of both developed and developing nations. This is supported by the international community through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as international conventions. The G20 has had a long-standing focus on infrastructure, and social inclusion is considered to be a key component in the definition of Quality Infrastructure, a priority of the Government of Japan which has the Presidency of the G20 in 2019.

Benefits generated by inclusive infrastructure include reduced inequalities and disparities, which provide the stability to not only boost but also sustain economic growth and social equity in the long-term. However, these benefits can only be achieved if the concept of inclusive infrastructure is implemented in an effective manner.

There is a clear need for a concerted effort to advance the understanding of how best to achieve inclusive infrastructure, in both developed and emerging markets. The initiative by the GI Hub to develop a Reference Tool responds to this need to define and raise awareness of inclusive infrastructure, as well as share best practices to ensure faster and improved implementation of the concept.

Objectives

The overall aim of the Inclusive Infrastructure Reference Tool is to provide practical guidance for governments to help them maximise the inclusivity benefits of their large-scale infrastructure projects. It is intended to be used when developing policy, and planning, designing and implementing such projects, so that the projects help to reduce inequality and promote shared prosperity.

The GI Hub set the following objectives for this project:

  • increase awareness of inclusive infrastructure with a practical reference tool;
  • provide a framework that clearly defines key activities while also offering flexibility to allow for the long-term development and evolution of the concept of inclusive infrastructure;
  • share leading practices to successfully implement inclusivity at a policy and project level, across various sectors and geographies;
  • offer an insight into the potential impact in the form of social benefits;
  • highlight current and emerging practices that have the potential to create substantial benefits, as well as areas that require further attention and development; and
  • provide recommendations on the way forward to ensure that the concept of inclusive infrastructure continues to mature as new practices are developed and tested.

Audience

The Reference Tool is primarily designed for use by government representatives who have an interest in, or mandate to, maximise inclusivity in large-scale infrastructure projects. It is also available to other entities interested in inclusive infrastructure, such as the multilateral and bilateral development banks, the private sector, civil society organisations, academic institutions and the wider public.

Scope

The Reference Tool is meant to serve as a practical tool to help governments and other stakeholders understand and implement the critical success factors that deliver inclusive infrastructure. Accordingly, it provides an actionable framework and practical recommendations based on relevant literature, as well as live project examples and case studies.

The framework and recommendations are deliberately broad, so that the principles and insights can be applied widely in both developed countries and emerging markets, and across different sectors of economic and social infrastructure. Similarly, the Reference Tool has been designed to provide guidance applicable both to projects that are traditionally procured (i.e. ‘public works’ projects) and those that have a greater degree of private sector participation (such as public-private partnerships).

It should also be noted that some practices featured in the tool may not be specific to inclusivity but are mentioned because they form the necessary building blocks to ensure the successful implementation of inclusive infrastructure projects.

The infrastructure sectors covered in this tool are the following:

  • transport;
  • energy, with a focus on energy supply and access;
  • water, with a focus on clean water supply and sanitation;
  • information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, with a focus on service accessibility; and
  • public buildings and sports facilities.

As a final comment in regard to the scope of the Reference Tool, it is important to emphasise that it deliberately does not focus on the various measures that are used to minimise the negative environmental and social aspects of infrastructure projects, including measures such as the environmental and social ‘safeguard’ policies established by multilateral development banks. Instead, this tool is concerned with the positive steps that can be taken to enhance the benefits of such projects, by adopting and effectively implementing principles of inclusivity.

Structure

The Reference Tool document is structured in four main sections:

  • Section 1 provides a definition of Inclusive infrastructure, an overview of the Reference Tool and the methodology used to create it.
  • Section 2 sets out the key pillars of inclusive infrastructure, also known as Actions Areas.  This section also details the practices that could be put in place at policy and/or project levels. Six Action Areas are presented, alongside key practices and guidance. Relevant examples and thematic insights are also shared to promote the understanding of these practices and their application to specific sectors.
  • Section 3 contains a brief conclusion and outlines the way forward. Inclusive infrastructure is a concept that will continue to develop, and several recommendations are shared to help inform the next steps.
  • Section 4 presents the Case Studies. They showcase projects that have embedded inclusivity at various stages of development and implementation, covering several Action Areas and practices across different geographies and sectors.

Defining Inclusive Infrastructure

As a first step towards greater acceptance of the concept and the benefits of inclusive infrastructure, there is a need to establish a clear definition to be used by practitioners. In this tool, inclusive infrastructure is defined as follows:

Any infrastructure development that enhances positive outcomes in social inclusivity and ensures no individual, community, or social group is left behind or prevented from benefiting from improved infrastructure.

The Framework for Inclusive Infrastructure

The Framework for Inclusive Infrastructure summarises the following six Actions Areas and related practices that ought to be considered for the systematic implementation of inclusivity in infrastructure at the policy and project levels:

Figure 1: Framework for Inclusive Infrastructure

Summary of Action Areas

The following descriptions summarise each Action Area.

All Action Areas need to be carefully considered and implemented to maximise the benefits of the project, on the basis that some of them will be more relevant to particular sectors and economies. Their application will vary depending on geographical context, project circumstances, profile of the stakeholders, level of capacity, governance arrangements, available standards, participation of the private sector and the stage in the project lifecycle.

Stakeholder Identification, Engagement and Empowerment

Governance and Capacity Building

Policy, Regulation and Standards

Project Planning, Development and Delivery

Private Sector Roles and Participation

Affordability and Optimising Finance

This Action Area details practices that can increase engagement with various stakeholders to achieve greater inclusivity benefits. Key practices include data collection and other methods of identifying stakeholders, and engagement mechanisms that specifically target and integrate the opinions and viewpoints of individuals and societal groups at risk of being overlooked. In addition, activities that lead to increased empowerment and transparency are considered in more detail.

These practices will contribute to a greater understanding of the specific needs of stakeholders, as well as inform the way policies or projects are defined, planned, and delivered - reducing disparities, discrimination, and social and gender inequity.

This Action Area covers practices that define the governance arrangements for infrastructure projects, i.e. the systems, structures and decision-making processes amongst institutions, stakeholders and citizens. Governance is the formal means of incorporating inclusivity in government bodies and other relevant entities. Capacity building that strengthens skills and knowledge has the potential to address and change preconceived notions or prejudices against societal groups that are vulnerable and at risk of being neglected.

Practices under this Action Area can change how institutions interact with each other and their citizens. The inclusion and increased influence of vulnerable groups in ecision-making and processes will result in better acceptance of decisions, and increased social equity and stability.

This Action Area covers inclusiveness in legal policies, regulations and standards. Whilst there is some guidance at the international level - such as, for example, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - national and sub-national policies can also promote inclusivity and encourage officials to consider inclusivity across the project lifecycle. A key practice is the development and implementation of infrastructure design codes, which determine uniform engineering criteria and ensure universal access to facilities and the use of services at policy and project level.

Practices under this Action Area promote inclusivity in the international and national legislative environment. In combination with Action Area 2: Governance and Capacity Building, policy interventions aim to drive systemic change in systems, processes, behaviours and culture, and correct existing barriers. These two Action Areas facilitate a broad range of positive outcomes and move towards greater social inclusiveness.

This Action Area refers to the integration of inclusivity practices across the project lifecycle. Specific recommendations are made to promote consistency and alignment among all participants (designers, engineers, constructors, and operators). Program and project management, as well as supervision, provide the needed checks, balances and controls to achieve inclusivity objectives. Attention is also given to practices that better integrate aspects of inclusivity in the planning of the spatial and urban environment.

Stakeholder identification and engagement activities in Action Area 1 are essential to every aspect of Project Planning, Development and Delivery and are viewed as complementary to this Action Area.

Practices under this Action Area ensure that the key strategic questions in relation to greater inclusivity, namely ‘what’, ‘why’, ‘when’, ‘how’ and ‘by whom’, are considered throughout the planning, delivery and operation phases of projects, as well as in the monitoring and evaluation rrangements. In doing so, potential benefits are identified and positive outcomes for society are achieved, leading to the development of infrastructure assets that create a more equitable environment.

This Action Area covers practices that create an enabling environment for the private sector to participate in inclusive infrastructure projects. The focus is on incentives and regulatory mechanisms that define the role of the private sector in infrastructure projects. In addition, this Action Area deals with practices designed to help overcome the market entry barriers faced by inclusive businesses (businesses owned by women, young people, minorities, etc.), enabling access to opportunities, employment and revenue creation on equal terms. The private sector can often be more entrepreneurial and agile than public sector entities, and is therefore well-positioned to integrate inclusivity innovations. Accordingly, the private sector can play an instrumental role in effectively delivering infrastructure projects, while achieving the inclusivity goals set by society.

The practices under this Action Area incentivise the private sector to make infrastructure projects more inclusive. This leads to infrastructure that is better aligned to social needs, and that is more accessible and affordable, resulting in greater public acceptance. Increased job creation and equal access to business and employment opportunities help to reduce income and gender inequality, leading to an overall reduction in social and economic disparity.

This Action Area considers practices that make infrastructure more affordable and accessible to all. A key practice under this Action Area is the writing and appraisal of the business case, which should aim to integrate measurable social parameters (e.g. income equality, labour participation, wealth distribution) and non-measurable social parameters (e.g. greater affinity toward community assets, social empathy, eagerness to improve).

To increase the use of infrastructure and enable universal access, there must be a balance between users’ willingness and ability to pay, and the financial sustainability of the asset. There are tools available to address gaps between the two in relation to the overall cost of the infrastructure. Another aspect explored is the potential impact of integrating additional and complementary revenue opportunities into infrastructure developments.

Practices under this Action Area will help to ensure infrastructure developments have a positive social and economic impact, such as, for example, transport initiatives that increase people’s freedom to move and enable previously under-served groups to benefit. Overall, reducing poverty, increasing employment and income opportunities, and improving access to training through increasing affordability and optimising finance, will all have positive and long-term impacts on society and the economy.

Stakeholder Identification, Engagement and Empowerment

Governance and Capacity Building

Policy, Regulation and Standards

Project Planning, Development and Delivery

This Action Area details practices that can increase engagement with various stakeholders to achieve greater inclusivity benefits. Key practices include data collection and other methods of identifying stakeholders, and engagement mechanisms that specifically target and integrate the opinions and viewpoints of individuals and societal groups at risk of being overlooked. In addition, activities that lead to increased empowerment and transparency are considered in more detail.

These practices will contribute to a greater understanding of the specific needs of stakeholders, as well as inform the way policies or projects are defined, planned, and delivered - reducing disparities, discrimination, and social and gender inequity.

This Action Area covers practices that define the governance arrangements for infrastructure projects, i.e. the systems, structures and decision-making processes amongst institutions, stakeholders and citizens. Governance is the formal means of incorporating inclusivity in government bodies and other relevant entities. Capacity building that strengthens skills and knowledge has the potential to address and change preconceived notions or prejudices against societal groups that are vulnerable and at risk of being neglected.

Practices under this Action Area can change how institutions interact with each other and their citizens. The inclusion and increased influence of vulnerable groups in ecision-making and processes will result in better acceptance of decisions, and increased social equity and stability.

This Action Area covers inclusiveness in legal policies, regulations and standards. Whilst there is some guidance at the international level - such as, for example, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - national and sub-national policies can also promote inclusivity and encourage officials to consider inclusivity across the project lifecycle. A key practice is the development and implementation of infrastructure design codes, which determine uniform engineering criteria and ensure universal access to facilities and the use of services at policy and project level.

Practices under this Action Area promote inclusivity in the international and national legislative environment. In combination with Action Area 2: Governance and Capacity Building, policy interventions aim to drive systemic change in systems, processes, behaviours and culture, and correct existing barriers. These two Action Areas facilitate a broad range of positive outcomes and move towards greater social inclusiveness.

This Action Area refers to the integration of inclusivity practices across the project lifecycle. Specific recommendations are made to promote consistency and alignment among all participants (designers, engineers, constructors, and operators). Program and project management, as well as supervision, provide the needed checks, balances and controls to achieve inclusivity objectives. Attention is also given to practices that better integrate aspects of inclusivity in the planning of the spatial and urban environment.

Stakeholder identification and engagement activities in Action Area 1 are essential to every aspect of Project Planning, Development and Delivery and are viewed as complementary to this Action Area.

Practices under this Action Area ensure that the key strategic questions in relation to greater inclusivity, namely ‘what’, ‘why’, ‘when’, ‘how’ and ‘by whom’, are considered throughout the planning, delivery and operation phases of projects, as well as in the monitoring and evaluation rrangements. In doing so, potential benefits are identified and positive outcomes for society are achieved, leading to the development of infrastructure assets that create a more equitable environment.

Private Sector Roles and Participation

Affordability and Optimising Finance

This Action Area covers practices that create an enabling environment for the private sector to participate in inclusive infrastructure projects. The focus is on incentives and regulatory mechanisms that define the role of the private sector in infrastructure projects. In addition, this Action Area deals with practices designed to help overcome the market entry barriers faced by inclusive businesses (businesses owned by women, young people, minorities, etc.), enabling access to opportunities, employment and revenue creation on equal terms. The private sector can often be more entrepreneurial and agile than public sector entities, and is therefore well-positioned to integrate inclusivity innovations. Accordingly, the private sector can play an instrumental role in effectively delivering infrastructure projects, while achieving the inclusivity goals set by society.

The practices under this Action Area incentivise the private sector to make infrastructure projects more inclusive. This leads to infrastructure that is better aligned to social needs, and that is more accessible and affordable, resulting in greater public acceptance. Increased job creation and equal access to business and employment opportunities help to reduce income and gender inequality, leading to an overall reduction in social and economic disparity.

This Action Area considers practices that make infrastructure more affordable and accessible to all. A key practice under this Action Area is the writing and appraisal of the business case, which should aim to integrate measurable social parameters (e.g. income equality, labour participation, wealth distribution) and non-measurable social parameters (e.g. greater affinity toward community assets, social empathy, eagerness to improve).

To increase the use of infrastructure and enable universal access, there must be a balance between users’ willingness and ability to pay, and the financial sustainability of the asset. There are tools available to address gaps between the two in relation to the overall cost of the infrastructure. Another aspect explored is the potential impact of integrating additional and complementary revenue opportunities into infrastructure developments.

Practices under this Action Area will help to ensure infrastructure developments have a positive social and economic impact, such as, for example, transport initiatives that increase people’s freedom to move and enable previously under-served groups to benefit. Overall, reducing poverty, increasing employment and income opportunities, and improving access to training through increasing affordability and optimising finance, will all have positive and long-term impacts on society and the economy.

Stakeholder Identification, Engagement and Empowerment

Governance and Capacity Building

This Action Area details practices that can increase engagement with various stakeholders to achieve greater inclusivity benefits. Key practices include data collection and other methods of identifying stakeholders, and engagement mechanisms that specifically target and integrate the opinions and viewpoints of individuals and societal groups at risk of being overlooked. In addition, activities that lead to increased empowerment and transparency are considered in more detail.

These practices will contribute to a greater understanding of the specific needs of stakeholders, as well as inform the way policies or projects are defined, planned, and delivered - reducing disparities, discrimination, and social and gender inequity.

This Action Area covers practices that define the governance arrangements for infrastructure projects, i.e. the systems, structures and decision-making processes amongst institutions, stakeholders and citizens. Governance is the formal means of incorporating inclusivity in government bodies and other relevant entities. Capacity building that strengthens skills and knowledge has the potential to address and change preconceived notions or prejudices against societal groups that are vulnerable and at risk of being neglected.

Practices under this Action Area can change how institutions interact with each other and their citizens. The inclusion and increased influence of vulnerable groups in ecision-making and processes will result in better acceptance of decisions, and increased social equity and stability.

Policy, Regulation and Standards

Project Planning, Development and Delivery

This Action Area covers inclusiveness in legal policies, regulations and standards. Whilst there is some guidance at the international level - such as, for example, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - national and sub-national policies can also promote inclusivity and encourage officials to consider inclusivity across the project lifecycle. A key practice is the development and implementation of infrastructure design codes, which determine uniform engineering criteria and ensure universal access to facilities and the use of services at policy and project level.

Practices under this Action Area promote inclusivity in the international and national legislative environment. In combination with Action Area 2: Governance and Capacity Building, policy interventions aim to drive systemic change in systems, processes, behaviours and culture, and correct existing barriers. These two Action Areas facilitate a broad range of positive outcomes and move towards greater social inclusiveness.

This Action Area refers to the integration of inclusivity practices across the project lifecycle. Specific recommendations are made to promote consistency and alignment among all participants (designers, engineers, constructors, and operators). Program and project management, as well as supervision, provide the needed checks, balances and controls to achieve inclusivity objectives. Attention is also given to practices that better integrate aspects of inclusivity in the planning of the spatial and urban environment.

Stakeholder identification and engagement activities in Action Area 1 are essential to every aspect of Project Planning, Development and Delivery and are viewed as complementary to this Action Area.

Practices under this Action Area ensure that the key strategic questions in relation to greater inclusivity, namely ‘what’, ‘why’, ‘when’, ‘how’ and ‘by whom’, are considered throughout the planning, delivery and operation phases of projects, as well as in the monitoring and evaluation rrangements. In doing so, potential benefits are identified and positive outcomes for society are achieved, leading to the development of infrastructure assets that create a more equitable environment.

Private Sector Roles and Participation

Affordability and Optimising Finance

This Action Area covers practices that create an enabling environment for the private sector to participate in inclusive infrastructure projects. The focus is on incentives and regulatory mechanisms that define the role of the private sector in infrastructure projects. In addition, this Action Area deals with practices designed to help overcome the market entry barriers faced by inclusive businesses (businesses owned by women, young people, minorities, etc.), enabling access to opportunities, employment and revenue creation on equal terms. The private sector can often be more entrepreneurial and agile than public sector entities, and is therefore well-positioned to integrate inclusivity innovations. Accordingly, the private sector can play an instrumental role in effectively delivering infrastructure projects, while achieving the inclusivity goals set by society.

The practices under this Action Area incentivise the private sector to make infrastructure projects more inclusive. This leads to infrastructure that is better aligned to social needs, and that is more accessible and affordable, resulting in greater public acceptance. Increased job creation and equal access to business and employment opportunities help to reduce income and gender inequality, leading to an overall reduction in social and economic disparity.

This Action Area considers practices that make infrastructure more affordable and accessible to all. A key practice under this Action Area is the writing and appraisal of the business case, which should aim to integrate measurable social parameters (e.g. income equality, labour participation, wealth distribution) and non-measurable social parameters (e.g. greater affinity toward community assets, social empathy, eagerness to improve).

To increase the use of infrastructure and enable universal access, there must be a balance between users’ willingness and ability to pay, and the financial sustainability of the asset. There are tools available to address gaps between the two in relation to the overall cost of the infrastructure. Another aspect explored is the potential impact of integrating additional and complementary revenue opportunities into infrastructure developments.

Practices under this Action Area will help to ensure infrastructure developments have a positive social and economic impact, such as, for example, transport initiatives that increase people’s freedom to move and enable previously under-served groups to benefit. Overall, reducing poverty, increasing employment and income opportunities, and improving access to training through increasing affordability and optimising finance, will all have positive and long-term impacts on society and the economy.

Conclusion

The analysis and guidance presented in this Reference Tool aim to help governments accelerate the development and implementation of inclusive infrastructure policies and projects.

The Framework for Inclusive Infrastructure presented in this Reference Tool identifies six key pillars driving inclusive growth. The six key pillars, i.e. the Action Areas”, are then discussed in detail, in a manner that allows governments to identify potential initiatives at policy, program and project levels.

Critical success factors include:

  • The placement of stakeholder identification and engagement at the forefront of inclusive infrastructure initiatives. The use of disaggregated identification data, and of proactive consultations with citizens, is essential to developing a full understanding of which groups of citizens are at risk of being excluded from receiving the benefits of infrastructure services, and in developing solutions to the barriers which they face.
  • Political leadership that champions social inclusion and inclusive governance. Governments must ensure that public officials receive the training necessary to properly identify and address the infrastructure needs of all citizens.
  • The use of transparent and accountable systems that help develop trust between the government and society.
  • The integration of policy, regulation and standards into project implementation. Universal Design principles are increasingly being used as a minimum standard in infrastructure contracts. Accessibility audits can help to identify and address problematic issues in a proposed infrastructure project at an early stage, at a time when such issues can be more easily addressed.
  • An inclusive lifecycle approach should be used throughout the project planning, development, and delivery stages of infrastructure projects. A Social Equity Plan can set out the agreed actions and targets at each step in a project’s lifespan.
  • The alignment of infrastructure projects with wider inclusive development policies, such as inclusive urban development plans.
  • The appropriate use of incentives and regulatory mechanisms to align the private sector role with inclusivity objectives. The private sector is also likely to play an increasing role in introducing innovations and new technologies that can assist in meeting the specific needs of disadvantaged groups.
  • A focus on issues of inclusion and affordability in infrastructure project business cases, with a careful analysis of financial assistance and the use of subsidies.

The eight case studies presented of this Reference Tool illustrate the challenges faced by many groups in society in regard to access to infrastructure services, and successful efforts in addressing those challenges, such as the initiatives taken in connection with Peru’s El Metropolitano BRT system to deal with the problem of harassment faced by women using public transport. As outlined in the report, inclusive infrastructure is a concept that is evolving, and that will likely continue to do so. The following paragraphs present some of the areas for further development, to promote learning on maximising the benefits from inclusive infrastructure. The GI Hub hopes that this Reference Tool will be a stimulus to further discussion of this topic, and very much welcomes any reader feedback and suggestions.

Areas for further development

Defining the relationship between inclusivity and sustainability

Much of the current literature refers to “inclusive and sustainable” infrastructure in one breath. The two terms are, of course, closely linked, but there is a need to better distinguish and define the relationship between inclusivity and sustainability. Sustainability deals with challenges such as environmental impacts, climate change and disaster resilience, which, in many instances, disproportionately affect vulnerable groups of people. Accordingly, addressing these issues as part of the wider inclusivity agenda can help to ensure that vulnerable segments of the population are identified, and appropriate mitigation measures are put in place.

In June 2019, the G20 Leaders endorsed the Principles of Quality Infrastructure Investment, one of which is 'Integrating social considerations in infrastructure investment', providing the opportunity to more clearly define this relationship and reference relevant supporting resources.

Accordingly, the QII Database was developed in collaboration with the GI Hub, the OECD and the World Bank and includes resources and facilities relevant to Quality Infrastructure Investment under the Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment - sustainable growth and development, economic efficiency, environmental considerations, building resilience, social considerations and infrastructure governance.

Establish new success measurement and monitoring for inclusive development

While economic growth has been an important driver in reducing poverty, governments are identifying a need to go beyond a definition of socioeconomic development that reflects only the systematic use of GDP growth. In response to concerns about increasing income gaps, distrust in public institutions, disruption of political stability and civil unrest, some governments and international financial institutions have begun to explore the use of inclusive infrastructure to help address these broader concerns.

To measure inclusive development, some new metrics have been proposed, but these new metrics still need to be further evaluated and quantified. An example is the recent Inclusive Development Index (IDI)[190] developed by the World Economic Forum. The IDI conveys a more integrated sense of the relative state of economic development and performance than the conventional indicators based on GDP per capita. It ranks countries based on their performance of making their growth more inclusive.

Additional inclusive development indicators could help provide the evidence base for monitoring the wider impacts of infrastructure programs and projects.

In addition, new indicators could help to assess the ability of such programs and projects to contribute towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Further define inclusivity KPIs at infrastructure project level, and monitor inclusivity benefits

The alignment of private sector incentives with objectives around inclusion is discussed in Action Area 5 of the Reference Tool. To achieve this alignment in the case of public-private partnership transactions, careful consideration needs to be given to the output specifications and measurable KPIs that governments develop for each infrastructure project. Additional guidance on this topic will be provided in the forthcoming GI Hub guidance note on Output Specifications for Quality Infrastructure PPPs[191].

Improvements in monitoring the benefits of inclusive infrastructure would also strengthen the understanding of their value, thereby enabling better quantification of benefits in the business cases of future infrastructure projects. Currently, the lack of reliable data quantifying the benefits of inclusivity is a common issue across virtually all infrastructure sectors.

Making inclusive infrastructure attractive to social impact investors[192]

The potential role of social impact investment in infrastructure has not been fully examined, since many social impact investment programs have, to date, focused on smaller community initiatives rather than large infrastructure projects. Increasingly, however, infrastructure investors are becoming concerned with economic, social and governance (ESG) issues, and this may lead to more social impact investing in infrastructure. In the business case for inclusive infrastructure projects, a social dimension complements the economic and financial dimensions and this complementarity may be particularly attractive to social impact investors.

Notes:

[190]

The Inclusive Growth and Development Report (World Economic Forum, 2017)
[191]

The consultative version of this tool is available on the GI Hub website, as will be the case for the final version of the tool (https://www.gihub.org).
[192]

Social impact investment, also known as sustainable, socially conscious, socially responsible, ‘green’ or ethical investing, is an investment strategy which seeks to maximise social benefits while also considering financial returns.

Download Conclusion and Areas for Further Development